North West Hospital and Health Service (North West HHS) is proud to announce a significant milestone in its pharmacy department with the employment of two intern pharmacists at the Mount Isa Hospital. 

Intern pharmacists, having completed their four-year university degree, embark on a one-year journey of supervised practice to gain open registration. 

North West HHS Chief Executive Sean Birgan said the introduction of the intern program at the Mount Isa Hospital Pharmacy Department signified an exciting development for healthcare in the North West. 

“Being the only hospital with the resources to accommodate not one but two interns outside of metropolitan and coastal areas highlights our commitment to fostering talent and enhancing healthcare services in our region,” Mr Birgan said. 

Mr Birgan said challenges in staffing have been prevalent across all areas of healthcare in recent years, including the pharmacy department.   

“The decision to welcome two interns this year reflects the department's proactive approach to building sustainability and ensuring the delivery of top-tier care to patients within the North West,” he said. 

"We believe that investing in the development of future pharmacists within our region not only addresses our immediate staffing needs but also fosters a culture of excellence and commitment to rural healthcare. 

"We are confident that our interns will not only thrive in their roles but also contribute significantly to the well-being of our communities." 

North West HHS intern Callum Jones said he became an advocate for rural and remote healthcare after a successful placement experience in Mount Isa during his study. 

“I'm definitely an advocate for those considering rural placements because it played a significant role in my own journey,” he said. 

“Without that experience, I likely wouldn't have considered venturing into rural areas. A good placement experience is an important part of a student moving into rural healthcare.”