It is the sole reason she and her husband left the beautiful beaches of the north coast, to relocate back home so their daughter could get to know her aunts, uncles, and cousins.
“Both my husband and I grew up in Wagga, and while we both loved living and working in Port Macquarie, we felt that our daughter needed to be able to form those important bonds, to have those memories with her relatives."
Rachael commenced her role as Pharmacist at Wagga Wagga Base Hospital in December last year.
“The team at Wagga Base is extremely welcoming and supportive, and although Wagga just feels like home, it is sometimes a bit nerve-wracking to start in a new role with a new organisation.
“I am enjoying the varied aspects of my work, every day brings something different, and I just love the feeling of helping to make a change in people’s lives."
Rachael explains that her passion for pharmacy began when she completed year 10 work experience.
“I went from thinking Pharmacists just gave out medication, to really understanding what an integral part of the health care community they are.
“People look to pharmacists for all sorts of advice. They have so much knowledge and are passionate about helping all their customers, to make sure they are healthy and above everything to make sure that their medications are doing no harm."
Following the completion of her degree in 2014, Rachel worked as a clinical pharmacist and manager in both private pharmacies and public hospitals across NSW and Victoria.
Her role with MLHD involves providing clinical services and medication reviews and management plans for inpatients across the smaller towns in the district.
“We make sure everything is safe and charted correctly. I assist patients with a wide variety of complex conditions,” Rachael said.
“It can be overwhelming for people, especially for people who are taking lots of different medicines, and for our older patients.
“I love feeling like I am making a positive change in people’s lives and their health care.
“Medications are so important, our work at Murrumbidgee Local Health District helps to keep people safe, but it also empowers our patients in the community to understand what they are taking and why.
“I try really hard to make sure my patients feel like they are in control, and they know what they are doing, that they feel confident."
While Rachael’s role involves taking care of people who are admitted to hospitals across the district, she reminds us that there are many programs for the general public to have their medication reviewed if they have any questions or concerns.
“Community pharmacies, accredited pharmacists, and GP’s can help you have your medications reviewed, and as the consumer it is just so important to feel like you can ask,” Rachael said.
Amongst her busy working life, parenthood and regular family catchups, Rachael finds time to relax and enjoy her other favourite pastimes.
“I am an avid reader and classical pianist.
“When I am not busy running about being a mum, nothing is quite as relaxing as playing Beethoven’s Pathétique Sonata.’
“Music and reading are a beautiful way to unwind and I’m sure many of my patients feel the same.”
