Pharmacist support and resources – Bondi Beach incident

In the wake of the recent Bondi Beach event the role of pharmacists in supporting families and community is both critical and deeply valued.

Supporting patients experiencing distress

• Acknowledge this will be a time of great distress. Assume trauma response is possible in all patients of all faiths and cultures.
• For Jewish patients, intergenerational trauma from antisemitism and further trauma from recent world events is high.
• Ensure safety as part of trauma-informed care
• Help orientate those overwhelmed. Guide simple breathing or grounding exercises.
• Offer clear, age-appropriate guidance on managing acute stress – sleep routines, limiting social media, television and other trauma reminders.
• Further information about trauma: Lifeline Trauma Support Techniques
• Pharmacists should refer patients to their GP if they are experiencing distress.
• It may be beneficial for pharmacists to have proactive discussions with patients who are taking medications for mental health or anxiety, to ensure they are aware of available support services and have a current mental health care plan in place.
• Encourage contact with trusted family or friends and patient’s GP.
• Link people into appropriate services: Share this list of supports being offered in response to the incident:Mental health and counselling services
• Also impacted people can access mental health care in-person at:
  • Safe Haven at the Sydney Children’s Hospital Randwick from Monday 15 December to Friday 19 December from 10.00 am to 7.30 pm.
  • headspace Bondi Junction at 20 Bronte Road, Bondi Junction from 9.00 am to 6.00 pm Monday – Thursday, and 9.00 am to 5.00 pm Friday.
• Support for families: Kids helpline and headspace offer supports for children, young people and families: Dealing with trauma and Seeing scary stuff in the news|Kids Helpline
• Update your pharmacy website to include resources for patients seeking support 
• Urgent care centres are free for Medicare card holders and they are open over the holiday period.
• More information is available on HealthPathways: these pages will be continuously updated as more services and resources become available.
• For further information: Mental Health First Aid Guidelines
• Importantly, ensure you are looking after your own well-being, you could also be experiencing trauma. Talk with colleagues, use mental health support services, access Pharmacists’ Support Services. Guild members can access free counselling through the Guild’s EAP or call the Guild directly on (02) 9467 7100. The Pharmacy Guild of Australia NSW branch.