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P
auline Randles bought the pharmacy in the Link Hills Lifestyle Centre from her “old boss” Paddy Lewis in 2010. “Patrick and I worked together for over 15 years,” says Pauline. “We had some fun times – things were not so ‘structured’ back then.” Pauline had a few years’ break in a rural pharmacy in Winterton, where she learnt a lot about primary health care. “On my return to the Upper Highway area I was determined to follow my passion and use my skills in preventative health care and counselling,” she says. “I love sharing my knowledge with my customers, and my favourite motto – which is a sign in my dispensary – is ‘laughter is the best medicine’. Of course this does not make me money, but it draws people back to the pharmacy,” she laughs. Pauline has a Department
Laughter is the best
MEDICINE
CARING FOR THE COMMUNITY FOR OVER 45 YEARS, LINK HILLS PHARMACY CELEBRATES 10 YEARS WITH PAULINE RANDLES AT THE HELM
of Health Primary Care Drug Therapy licence which enables her, with the valuable clinical skills of her two experienced nurses Sylvia Williams and Cindy Bradley, to examine, diagnose and treat many conditions in line with the essential drug list – such as antibiotics for bladder or ear infections. “Cindy is a wound specialist and Syliva has extensive experience in trigger point massage, reflexology and genetic testing, which identifies our predisposition to inherited illness risks,” says Pauline. “We like to classify ourselves as ‘exceptional’ – not your
BELOW: Pharmacists Pauline and Heather (centre) with sisters Sylvia and Cindy and the rest of the team: Sandy, Nonny, Slie, Mandy, Shelly-Lynn and Thobile with pharmacy student Hloni.
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ABOVE: Pauline Randles, owner and pharmacist.
usual pharmacy! We offer free delivery to all the old age homes in the area, which gives families peace of mind that their loved ones are cared for. We take pride in being an A-grade pharmacy and our staff are passionate about prompt service excellence.” “Pauline knows most of her patients by name and even sends me a WhatsApp reminder when my repeat meds are ready. This is a great help in today’s hectic life,” says customer Cheryl van der Merwe. Link Hills Pharmacy has a 24-hour emergency medicine call out service available to the local community. “During this Covid-19 crisis we take
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turns getting to work early to sterilise the store, and we have WHO protocols in place to protect staff and customers,” says Pauline – who after completing her studies did her intern year at Wentworth hospital, then furthered her qualifications studying Psychology and Business Management. She then did her B Pharm Honours in Pharmacology at UDW, the now Nelson Mandela School of Pharmacy.
