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LINK HILLS PHARMACY
from The Crest 96
Pauline Randles bought the pharmacy in the Link Hills Lifestyle Centre from her “old boss” Paddy Laughter is the best MEDICINE CARING FOR THE COMMUNITY FOR OVER 45 YEARS, Lewis in 2010. “Patrick and I LINK HILLS PHARMACY CELEBRATES 10 YEARS WITH worked together for over 15 PAULINE RANDLES AT THE HELM years,” says Pauline. “We had some fun times – things were not so ‘structured’ back then.” of Health Primary Care turns getting to work early
Pauline had a few years’ Drug Therapy licence which to sterilise the store, and break in a rural pharmacy in enables her, with the valuable we have WHO protocols in Winterton, where she learnt clinical skills of her two place to protect staff and a lot about primary health experienced nurses Sylvia customers,” says Pauline care. “On my return to the Williams and Cindy Bradley, to – who after completing her Upper Highway area I was examine, diagnose and treat studies did her intern year determined to follow my many conditions in line with at Wentworth hospital, then passion and use my skills in the essential drug list – such furthered her qualifications preventative health care and as antibiotics for bladder or studying Psychology and counselling,” she says. “I love ear infections. Business Management. She sharing my knowledge with my “Cindy is a wound specialist then did her B Pharm Honours customers, and my favourite and Syliva has extensive in Pharmacology at UDW, the motto – which is a sign in my dispensary – is ‘laughter is the experience in trigger point massage, reflexology and ABOVE: Pauline Randles, owner and pharmacist. now Nelson Mandela School of Pharmacy. best medicine’. Of course this genetic testing, which identifies does not make me money, but our predisposition to inherited usual pharmacy! We offer it draws people back to the illness risks,” says Pauline. free delivery to all the old age pharmacy,” she laughs. “We like to classify ourselves homes in the area, which gives
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Pauline has a Department as ‘exceptional’ – not your families peace of mind that their loved ones are cared
BELOW: Pharmacists Pauline and Heather (centre) with sisters Sylvia for. We take pride in being an and Cindy and the rest of the team: Sandy, Nonny, Slie, Mandy, Shelly-Lynn A-grade pharmacy and our and Thobile with pharmacy student Hloni. 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
ABOVE: Pauline (centre) with original owner Paddy Lewis (left) and Robin Lamplough (right) – customer and historian who spent time putting together the story of this community-focused independent pharmacy. LEFT: Patrick and employee June Ross, in 1980. BOTTOM: Pauline with some of the previous staff, in 2000.
When everything around us is changing . . . some things stay the same!
HISTORY OF LINK HILLS PHARMACY
Link Hills Pharmacy, the village’s first pharmacy, was opened in 1975 by Patrick Lewis. He started in partnership with the owners of Hillcrest Pharmacy, John Birt and Sakkie Steyn. Five years later, Lewis bought out the other partners and became the sole owner of Link Hills Pharmacy. At that time, the pharmacy’s premises were in the Saveway Centre, behind the present Engen garage. In 1985, the business moved across lnanda Road to the new Waterfall Centre, the forerunner to the present Watercrest Mall. In 1994, Pauline Randles started employment with Patrick as a pharmacist. In 2007, the pharmacy moved back across the road almost to its original position, which is now the new Link Hills Lifestyle Centre, where it is at present. In 2010, Pauline purchased the business from Patrick.
BELOW: A photograph of the Saveway Centre, taken by Waterfall resident Sven Hurvey in 1987. Courtesy of Hazel England, Pinetown Museum.
FOR MORE INFO LOCATION: Link Hills Lifestyle Centre, lnanda Rd, Waterfall (next to Pick n Pay).
CONTACT DETAILS:
031 762 1420/9; dispensary@linkhillspharmacy.co.za; www.linkhillspharmacy.co.za
OPENING TIMES: 8am-5pm weekdays; 8am-1pm Saturdays; 9am-1pm Sundays and public holidays.
AFTER HOURS MEDICATION:
Call 073 998 1699 (call-out fee applies).
Check out our FB page and website for medical information and specials. WhatsApp questions and orders to 072 825 4025.