A key part of being WOUND AWARE is understanding where to find help in your community. Fortunately there are lots of sources of expert advice available to you – wound care clinics, GPs, and more, as you'll learn in this factsheet – and your local pharmacy is one of them.

Today we meet Lara Gliana, Pharmacist with Fullife Pharmacy in Mill Park in Melbourne's north and Wounds Australia member. Lara is pictured with Wounds Australia CEO Jeff Antcliff and Fullife owners Ian and Tim Shanks.

Who are you and what do you do? 

As store manager of Fullife Pharmacy in Mill Park, I oversee daily operations and professional services such as the vaccination program. My primary focus is to enhance patient involvement in their healthcare. I am also a wife and the mother of three wonderful children. 

What's different about your business? 

We work in a large community pharmacy that serves a very big community in Melbourne's north by providing a wide variety of healthcare services. Recently we have built three large private consultation rooms, one of which is a wound care clinic, an innovative service providing first aid for cuts and grazes, skin tears, burns and post-operative wounds. We will also provide wound care education to patients on how to look after their wounds to promote healing and reduce the risk of infection. 

How has the role of pharmacy changed over time? 

The role of a pharmacist today extends far beyond traditional responsibilities. We are at the forefront of patient education, disease prevention and chronic disease management. Our contributions are vital to the healthcare system, providing accessible and immediate care. 

I am excited about establishing a large, efficient, pharmacy-based wound care clinic that offers first aid, education and health solutions for individuals in urgent need and unable to visit a GP clinic or emergency department. 

We also collaborate with local medical centres, hospitals and allied health services to ensure the patient receives holistic care. 

What I enjoy most about my job is the profound sense of fulfilment that comes from helping individuals lead healthier lives. Each day brings new and diverse challenges, which keeps my work dynamic and fulfilling. 

I feel privileged to be part of one of the most trusted professions, and to be entrusted with the responsibility of caring for my community and making a positive impact on their health and wellbeing.