Pharmacy Guild welcomes decision not to charge member pharmacist, Grant Gillard

MEDIA RELEASE

4 February 2011

Guild welcomes decision not to charge member pharmacist, Grant Gillard

The Pharmacy Guild of New Zealand (the Guild) welcomes the decision by Police not to charge Auckland pharmacist Grant Gillard in relation to the death of an intruder on his premises. Gillard is a member of the Guild and owns Grant Gillard Pharmacy in New North Road, Mount Albert, Auckland.

Police have said that no one will be charged in relation to the death of Bruce Jones.

“This is a sensible decision,” says Annabel Young, Guild Chief Executive. “This event has highlighted the risk community pharmacies face daily as they play their part in front line health care. It is important that pharmacies can operate in the community, and are readily available to patients, while keeping the pharmacists and their staff safe.”

Due to the risk of medicine theft, security in community pharmacies throughout New Zealand is paramount, with panic buttons and cameras becoming more common.

In August last year, Gillard was surprised by burglar Bruce Jones while investigating an early-morning break-in at his pharmacy. Community pharmacists are well aware of the risks associated with their profession and take all possible measures to prevent such events from happening.
ENDS
Media Contact: Annabel Young - 027 440 9160 or 04 802 8201
Ian Johnson – 021 621 592
For additional information: Julia Paterson-Fourie – 04 802 8211
Notes:
• The Pharmacy Guild of New Zealand (Inc) is a national membership organisation representing community pharmacy owners. We provide leadership on all issues affecting the sector and we advocate for the business interests of community pharmacy.
• For additional information on the Guild and community pharmacy please go to www.pgnz.org.nz