Community pharmacist highlights the value of collaborative primary care
03 Aug 2026
Rima manages the family-owned Chapel Street Pharmacy, which has been serving the local community since 2014. Alongside medication counselling, vaccinations and chronic disease support, she is also an accredited consultant pharmacist and is completing a Master of Philosophy at the University of Sydney, focusing on medicine safety and improving patient outcomes.
She believes community pharmacists are often the most accessible healthcare professionals and provide much more than dispensing medicines. Their role includes medication reviews, identifying medicine-related problems, supporting chronic disease management and helping patients navigate the healthcare system.
Rima says pharmacists work best as part of multidisciplinary healthcare teams alongside GPs, nurses and allied health professionals. She believes stronger communication and referral pathways can reduce duplication, improve continuity of care and deliver better outcomes for patients.
One example is through Home Medicines Reviews, where pharmacists work closely with GPs and other clinicians to identify medication-related risks. By reviewing medicine use, recommending practical changes and supporting patients with medication management, pharmacists can help improve safety and confidence, particularly for older people taking multiple medicines.
Working in South Western Sydney, Rima values the region's cultural diversity and strong community connections. She says building trusted relationships with patients and working collaboratively with local healthcare providers creates a positive impact on access to care and health outcomes.
As a new member of the South Western Sydney Primary Health Network Clinical Council, Rima hopes to represent the community pharmacy profession and contribute to discussions that strengthen collaboration across primary care. She believes pharmacists have an important role in improving medicine safety, continuity of care and patient-centred healthcare.
Rima says no two days in community pharmacy are the same. Alongside dispensing medicines, pharmacists may provide vaccinations, support patients with complex medication issues, communicate with other health professionals and respond to urgent health situations when needed.
Her advice to other healthcare professionals is to prioritise their own wellbeing, maintain supportive professional relationships and remember that caring for themselves helps them continue delivering high-quality care to their patients and communities.
Community pharmacist highlights the value of collaborative primary care
Source: South Western Sydney Primary Health Network (SWSPHN) – Spotlight on Allied Health interview with Rima Wehbi.