Pharmacy Daily | Barwick named WotY

NSW Premier, Dominic Perrottet, has named pharmacist-led telehealth provider, Anna Barwick, as the 2022 Premier's Woman of the Year (WotY).

Announcing the award yesterday, Perrottet hailed the Walcha-based pharmacist's efforts in establishing PharmOnline to give patients "reliable advice compared to Dr Google".

"Barwick's telehealth service has innovated how people access pharmacy services, ensuring vital care is at the fingertips of people right across the country, no matter where they live," Perrottet said.

Speaking with Pharmacy Daily, Barwick said that she was pleasantly surprised to receive the award, noting that it "demonstrated that there is recognition of the hard work that pharmacists have done and continue to do".

"I feel so honoured and privileged," she said.

"I met all the women in all of the categories, and they're just doing the most amazing things in their communities."

Barwick said the PharmOnline service aimed to overcome the "tyranny of distance and isolation [to get health advice] where it's needed".

Pharmacy Guild of Australia NSW Branch President, David Heffernan, said that Barwick's "drive and commitment has led to an innovation that has helped many people every day".

"Her work has been particularly beneficial to people living in regional, rural and remote areas of Australia," Heffernan said.

"PharmOnline was the first pharmacist-led telehealth service in Australia that aimed to provide 24/7 remote access to experienced health professionals.

"It has helped to reduce harm from medications through support from the medication experts: pharmacists."

Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) National President, Associate Professor Chris Freeman, said that Barwick was an "utterly deserving" recipient of the NSW Premier's WotY.

"Anna truly embodies excellence in pharmacy," he said.

"I am delighted to see that an outstanding female pharmacist has been acknowledged for her devotion to improving the lives of the NSW community."