The South Kaipara community is set to benefit with a closer relationship between the Kaipara Medical Centre and the local Unichem Pharmacy.

Kaipara Medical Centre’s reception and waiting areas are being reconfigured and by making better use of the space, it has opened up room for a small dispensary.

The contract to run the dispensary was put out to tender with the Unichem Pharmacy becoming the successful partner.

Unichem Helensville’s Managing Director Stephen Yoo says by working more closely together the two partners will able to provide better health outcomes for our community.

“People often go to see their doctor for issues that a pharmacist could help with and by being on site we’ll now be able to ease some of that pressure on doctors,” he says.

Kaipara Medical Centre Business Manager Richard Reid says having a dispensary on site is part of a growing trend in healthcare.

“Not only will it mean both doctors and pharmacists have a better understanding of what medications are being prescribed, but it’ll be so much more convenient for patients, especially those who find it difficult to make a second trip to have their prescriptions filled.”

As part of the arrangement, Unichem Pharmacy will be making a financial contribution to both the refit and the costs of the upgrade of the premises.

Stephen Yoo says, “we are delighted with Kaipara Medical Centre's decision in allowing us to be the main pharmacy provider serving the people of Helensville."

He says while the dispensary will only be small and won’t offer any retail products, his staff are excited about the opportunity with one of them already in training to become a prescribing pharmacist.

Stephen Yoo, who has owned the pharmacy for 10 years, also extends his thanks to the local community for its support and interest as the details of the arrangement have been worked through.

“We’ve realised how much our customers have invested in us and I’m happy to assure them this will not jeopardise the operation we have running on the main road which will be business as usual.”

Kaipara Medical Centre Business Manager Richard Reid says it’s hoped the reconfigure which is designed to better utilise the available space will begin in March with everything finished before the busy winter season.

“It will be a little disruptive for a time and we do ask for our staff and clients’ patience while the alterations are made, but we’re confident it’ll be a really positive change for our enrolled patients and community,” he says.