MORE than 100 people attended the official opening of the Balingup Pharmacy on the evening of Monday February 1.
The Hon Nigel Hallett MLC, Member for South West Region, officially opened the pharmacy. In his address, he commended Pharmacist Kate Wooldridge on embracing the country lifestyle that she learnt about after working at Gidgegannup Pharmacy. He noted that her focus on healthcare complements local business, and the pharmacy could lift healthcare for the local community.
Mr Hallett mentioned the importance of small businesses to a small community. He described the flow-on effect to other businesses that the pharmacy will bring, where a customer might drop off a script, then go have a coffee and have a look around the nearby shops. He also spoke about the advantage of the pharmacy being open on a Sunday, where it ideally located for visitors going south or those returning from their holidays.
Ms Wooldridge said she would like the community’s support in encouraging other health professionals to join her in Balingup, as there are facilities within the pharmacy to accommodate visiting professionals.
She also introduced Cliff Roberts, who previously owned Bridgetown Pharmacy and is now working at Balingup Pharmacy two days a week. Ms Wooldridge said she was pleased that she and Cliff share the same philosophy regarding providing quality customer service.
Ms Wooldridge and her partner Tim Colegate opened the new pharmacy in Balingup on December 11. Over the past few months, they have been renovating the premises in The Packing Shed and are very excited to have opened the business.
Ms Wooldridge has been working in the pharmacy profession since 1999. She has since completed a post-graduate degree in clinical pharmacy, and is also accredited to undertake home medication reviews. Most recently, she worked at the Gidgegannup Pharmacy. She loved the friendly community environment and enjoyed providing customer service to a level not often achieved by larger pharmacies.
She is looking forward to being able to provide quality advice and a high level of service to the Balingup and surrounding community. Further to standard pharmacy healthcare, the pharmacy is providing Webster packs and private consultations with patients. In-store flu vaccination will also be available.
Balingup Pharmacy will be open from 8.30am to 5pm Monday-Saturday and 10am to 5pm Sunday.
