Pharmacy collection point at Summa Zorg

Starting May 8, 2023, local residents can collect their medication from Summa Zorg on Willem de Rijkelaan. A Trudoplein Service Apotheek collection point, managed by students in the Pharmacy Assistant program, will open there. "I'm convinced the news will spread like wildfire," says local resident Michel Frijters.

In the first pharmacy in a Dutch school, students learn the basics of pharmacy assistant work in an accessible way. On weekdays, four or five students are present at the collection point. An instructor guides them in dispensing medications and explaining the work to local residents. The time the students work there counts as a regular lesson. Charlotte Hulsen, pharmacy assistant instructor at Summa College: "We normally simulate practical experience in the classroom. Here, from the first year onwards, students learn to apply theory in a real-life pharmacy. I think it increases the chances of a successful internship later in their studies."

Chance

First-year student Sabrin Yaasin is happy with the opportunity her program offers her. "Here, you can immediately apply the course material and learn how to work at the reception desk. That does make me a little nervous," she admits. Second-year student Millicent Fornah recognizes this. "I still find it difficult to stand behind that reception desk. But because there's a lecturer present, they can give you feedback. What you say really has to be accurate. You're working with real patients here."

The idea for the collection point arose from consultations with pharmacists seeking an inspiring learning environment. Instructor Charlotte Hulsen, formerly a pharmacy assistant herself, connected with Cees Dekkers of Service Apotheek Trudoplein through her network. He was open to the idea and is now financing the collection point together with Summa College. "He's responsible for everything we do here. A bicycle courier brings us the medication every day so we can deliver it to the client."

Incidentally, the collaboration isn't just beneficial for patients and students. The collection point at Summa College also reduces the workload at the Trudoplein pharmacy.

A lot of attention

The collection point is aimed at residents near the school on Willen de Rijkelaan. Hulsen: "They get a lot of attention here, because students have a lot of time for clients. But the residents also need to have time for our students. Of course, the work takes a little longer than at a regular pharmacy. Clients will have to do more research here. And students will want to ask their teacher questions."

Residents of Summa College are being informed about the collection point through flyers. "The flyer also explains why people should come to Summa College for their medications," Hulsen says, referring to the educational function of the collection point.

Expertly guided

Local resident Michel Frijters supports the arrival of the collection point in the school building. "Students learn how to communicate with patients here. I think that's great," he says. "No, I'm not worried that I won't be properly informed. I know the students are being expertly guided."

Frijters doesn't think it's a problem that the school building doesn't have a pharmacy pickup point visible from the outside. "I'm convinced the news will spread like wildfire through the neighborhood."