IPN 2022 November

Claire - Giving that Extra Care

Claire Tierney, CarePlus Pharmacy Mulingar – Winner of the Avène Counter Assistant of the Year Award

Claire Tierney has worked as a counter assistant for over 16 years in Enfield, almost 7 of which were with the Keane’s CarePlus group.

Claire Tierney Keane’s CarePlus Pharmacy Mullingar with Julian Bush, Sales Director UK and Ireland with Pierre Fabre

Claire became the front of shop supervisor as her result of her high service levels and dedication to the pharmacy. This is evident from her hard work and commitment over the years.

As a result of the high service levels, Claire has built a fantastic rapport with the customers within the community. She was served them over the 16 years and has seen babies grow into young adults.

Over the years, Claire has undertaken a number training courses including the IPU counter assistant course, training with key brands and most recently, started

the IPU technician course. Similar to her attitude towards her work, Claire goes above and beyond in her continuous learning approach.

When the Keane’s Group took over from the previous owners and transitioned to the CarePlus model, Claire was instrumental in the change. With the transition, came significant change. Claire spearheaded the change in store layout, products stocked and communicated with suppliers to ensure that the transition was as smooth as possible.

Her Supervising Pharmacist Robert Keane comments, “Over the years Claire has organised

many different events for patients and members of the community. This has ranged for charity bingo nights, first-aid training sessions for new parents and arranging for suppliers to come and talk to our customers on site. In addition to this, Claire played an important role in implementing the changes that were necessary for achieving approval from AsIAm as being autism friendly.

“Throughout the pandemic, Claire played a leading role in ensuring that our most vulnerable patients had access to their medication. Although there was no formal delivery system before the pandemic, Claire set up and

physically delivered the medication herself. This helped to reduce the stress and anxiety that these customers were experiencing. On her travels to the vulnerable patients, Claire always made sure that the patients also had the basics such as bread and milk!”

In 2015, when the Keane’s Group took ownership of the pharmacy in Enfield, the store underwent a complete rebrand. The shop underwent a major remodelling, all while maintaining normal service levels. Claire was instrumental in ensuring business as usual.

Robert continues, “Claire was tasked with training all other

members of staff on new till systems, planograms and ordering systems.

“The transition was difficult on top on her daily duties but Claire took all of this in her stride. The transition was a success and the store operates efficiently with thanks to Claires hard work and determination.

“The current covid-19 pandemic has presented a number of major challenges. The main challenge for our team was ensuring that our patient still had access to their medication. Claire implemented a number of solutions that allowed patient to avail of what they needed. Claire made sure that all of our vulnerable patients still receive the high levels of care that they had become accustomed to. The pandemic was particularly hard on the elderly, but Claire went above and beyond to help in any way that she could.

“Claires dedication, professionalism and exceptional levels of care make her an ideal recipient of the Avene Counter Assistant Award.”

Talking about her win, Claire Tierney commented, “I love my job and everything that it entails so to be recognised for that means a great deal to me. I would encourage anyone considering it, to enter these Awards as they have truly shone a spotlight on all that is positive about pharmacy and the pharmacy teams whom serve their communities every day.”

Julian Bush, Commercial Director, Dermo Cosmetics Division, Pierre Fabre UK and Ireland congratulated both Kathleen and Claire saying, “It is a privilege to welcome you the 2022 finalists for the Counter Assistant of the Year. The support they provide through the recommendation of products, to best meet the needs of the

Claire Tierney Keane’s CarePlus Pharmacy Mullingar

consumer is second to none, and is key to ensure that pharmacy customers receive their most appropriate Dermo- Cosmetic products.

“We know and appreciate that the past 2 years have been a huge strain and challenge on community pharmacy, as counter assistants continuously and tirelessly worked to support their communities with ongoing help, support and care, and for that we offer our utmost respect and sincere thanks.”