February 8th, 2022Blooming good work during Covid crisis

STAFF working in clinics and hospitals have received plenty of well-earned praise, but those trying to offer both vaccines, medication and advice, pharmacies, are also in the firing line.
Some would be feeling overwhelmed but Blooms Daylesford retail manager Lisa Samulski and her team are loving helping the community get vaccines – they are now open for walk-ins, over the counter and prescription medication, the right advice, and finally the much sought-after RAT tests.
“With the RAT tests I asked the owners, Andrew Lesley and Huy Huynh, if we could roll out a program specifically designed to support our local businesses so that they could trade responsibly, keep their staff safe and continue to trade for the betterment of our whole community and the visitors to our area,” Lisa said.
“I think that the hospitality industry in particular has had a tough ride during Covid and it’s been my absolute pleasure to be able to give them support.
“We have scrolled the country to purchase the kits to support this community and businesses and Andrew and I had many meetings to nut out where we could source this much-needed gold – and we succeeded. Andrew does not take no for an answer!”
Lisa said the support of the community had been fantastic with free coffees delivered by Frangos, flowers and cards dropped off by appreciative customers, some great Google reviews and even community members offering to help out when there were staff shortages.
But there had been a few moments, with Covid stress on the rise for everyone, that had been difficult for staff to work through, Lisa said. Especially when the store had to close its doors for a day – while still delivering medications around the region.
“The Covid pandemic has been a difficult time for so many people on so many different levels. While there were some people that were not as kind to our staff as they should’ve been, when I spoke out to the community via Facebook to remind them that we are all doing our best and to extend the respect deserved by my team, the Blooms crew were blown away by the fabulous supportive response shared by our awesome community.
“And I’m so proud of my team who are diverse in personality, ages and experience. But myself and each of our crew are aligned with offering the highest level of commitment and care to the Blooms brand and the Hepburn Shire community. Myself and Andrew and Huy are committed to helping everyone in our community with the objective to not only meet but exceed expectations wherever possible.”
Lisa, who moved to the region just over 18 months ago with her son Steffen to be with her family – mother, two sisters and a niece – and her partner Christine Lewis, said she adored the “fabulous community in Hepburn Springs where we live, Daylesford where I work and the region where we are meeting new people on a regular basis.
“I come to work each day and feel excited and proud and while I am often stretched to navigate areas that I too am still learning particularly because of the vaccinations and Covid requirements, I have never been more thrilled to go to work. My employer, my team and the Hepburn community make my heart swell daily.
“The leadership of Andrew is the most nurturing and committed in terms of wanting to provide old-fashioned service blended with the most contemporary management style. It is our ultimate aim to be number one, the absolute best in regional pharmacy.
“I encourage the community to keep sharing smiles with my team and if there is anything I can do to better support, please come and have a chat with me. But of course the store is always super busy so please be patient. There are still more wonderful things to come, so watch this space.”