S24 November 2011
Royal Darwin Hospital Director of Pharmacy Bhavini Patel has been honoured with a national award for her work in hospital pharmacy practice and Indigenous and remote health.
Ms Patel was presented with the GlaxoSmithKline Medal of Merit at the Society of Hospital Pharmacists national conference in Hobart this month.
"It is an honour to be recognised in this way by my peers," Ms Patel said.
"Royal Darwin Hospital has provided me with a supportive working environment and I would like to thank the pharmacy team, especially Rodney Thomson for coming on this adventure with me.
"I am proud to be surrounded by an innovative and empathetic team of pharmacists who are committed to providing high quality services to ensure patients get the best out of their medicines."
Ms Patel was awarded the Medal of Merit for initiatives including the development of a sustainable clinical pharmacy service across the Territory's five public hospitals and her work in improving Indigenous health.
She was also recognised for her role in the establishment of a Bachelor of Pharmacy course at Charles Darwin University to ensure pharmacists in the NT are prepared for the needs of our unique population and her contribution as the only hospital pharmacist on the inaugural Pharmacy Board of Australia.
Top End Hospital Network Executive Director Jenny Cleary said Ms Patel's win was fantastic news for Ms Patel, Royal Darwin Hospital and the whole Territory.
"This award is the equivalent of the Brownlow in the hospital pharmacy world and it is a great achievement," Ms Cleary said.
"Bhavini is dedicated and talented and it's wonderful to see her passion and skills recognised with such an accolade.
"Bhavini is one of those health professionals who doesn't just identify a problem, she works out how to fix it, and then sets about making that happen.
"This can-do approach is such a feature of the health system in the Northern Territory and we are very proud of Bhavini's achievements."
"Working in the Territory is very rewarding," Ms Patel said.
"It has given me the opportunity to work with some special people in a variety of contexts and meet some inspirational patients who have taught me the value of diversity and helped me develop a more culturally secure practice.
As well as the Medal, Ms Patel received $10,000 and will have her award oration published in an upcoming issue of the Journal of Pharmacy Practice and Research.
Media Contact: Kirsty Reid 0419 818 414
