PSA Queensland Branch elect new leadership team

Friday 19 June 2020

Townsville based pharmacist Shane MacDonald has been elected as Queensland Branch President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA).

Mr MacDonald, an early career pharmacist has been a pharmacist manager for over seven years, supporting the needs of his community and has served on the PSA Queensland Branch Committee since 2017.

Mr MacDonald is a member of the Early Career Pharmacist (ECP) working group where he was the chair for two years, helping give ECP’s a voice throughout the Queensland region.

Throughout his many roles including as a panel member at the Queensland Annual Therapeutic Update speaking on PSA’s Pharmacists in 2023, Mr MacDonald has been a stern advocate for the profession at a local, state and federal level, meeting with community stake holders, local MP’s and the Prime Minister.

Mr MacDonald said it was an honour to be elected as Queensland Branch President.

“I am looking forward to working closely with the committee, key stakeholders and pharmacists in Queensland,” he said.

“I am very passionate about our profession and to be extending on the good work of the committee is a privilege.

“It is a very exciting time to be a pharmacist particularly in Queensland and I look forward to advocating and working on behalf of pharmacists in the region.”

Mr MacDonald also paid tribute to the elected Vice Presidents, Sue Carson and Dr Esther Lau.

“Sue has over 30 years of experience as a pharmacist working in hospitals and community pharmacies and has done a terrific job as acting president over the last few months,” he said.

“Sue was also a lecturer to pharmacy students at James Cook University for 14 years before relocating to Brisbane, and recently became involved with Community Transition Care at Metro North Hospital and Health Service supporting patients leaving the acute care setting to transition to their home.

“Esther has a tremendous amount of experience and is course coordinator in the discipline of Pharmacy, School of Clinical Sciences at QUT and will also bring so much to the role as Vice President.

“She has been involved in important programs such as the Queensland Pharmacist Immunisation Pilot and now the Urinary Tract Infection Pharmacy Pilot.

“I congratulate both Sue and Esther on their appointments and I am very lucky to be working with two highly skilled and knowledgeable pharmacists.”

Media contact: Queensland Branch Manager Chris Campbell: 0422 845 836

Leadership for the future: PSA elects its 2020-21 Leaders

Thursday 18 June 2020

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) National Board has re-elected Associate Professor Chris Freeman as National President of the peak body for pharmacists.

The PSA National Board also re-appointed Board Director and Victorian Branch member Michelle Lynch and appointed PSA board director and ACT Branch president Renae Beardmore as Vice Presidents.

A/Prof Freeman, who was first appointed President in December 2018, said it was an honour to be re‑elected as National President and to be leading an experienced Executive Committee as PSA works to advocate on behalf of all Australian Pharmacists.

“I have been so proud of the way pharmacists have adapted, innovated and cared for their patients and communities during the recent bushfires and COVID-9 pandemic, and it is a privilege to be able to continue in this role.” he said.

“While there are challenges facing the profession there are also some great opportunities and I am looking forward to helping our members grasp these opportunities to build their professional careers, while also improving the health of Australians.

“For the first time in 30 years PSA is a signatory in the Community Pharmacy Agreement, our advocacy and policy work will continue as we focus on extending support for the recommendations in our Pharmacists in 2023 action plan and medicine safety reports.

A/Prof Freeman also paid tribute to the elected Vice Presidents, Victorian pharmacist Michelle Lynch and Canberra pharmacist Renae Beardmore.

“I congratulate both Michelle and Renae on their appointments and I am thrilled to be working with two very talented pharmacists and health professionals.

“Michelle joined the PSA Board in 2014 and has extensive experience as a community and private hospital pharmacist and health care consultancy, specialising in medication management and pharmacy services, as well as being a previous President of the Victorian branch.

“Renae brings over 30 years of experience working in health from public health policy through to patient care as a community pharmacist.

“As President of the ACT Branch, Renae will be a big asset and bring plenty to the role as National Vice President and I am delighted to see her elected in this position.”

Media contact: 0487 922 176

7th Community Pharmacy Agreement to support the safe and quality use of medicines for all Australians

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the signing of the 7^th Community Pharmacy Agreement (7CPA) which delivers $1.2B ongoing funding for patient-focused pharmacy programs that will provide greater access to pharmacists and support the safe and quality use of medicines for all Australians.

PSA National President Associate Professor Chris Freeman said the 7CPA will deliver increased investment where it is needed most, including for people living in rural, regional and remote areas, and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Importantly, the recent changes to medicines management programs to enable a cycle of care approach, including patient follow-up, will be maintained to support quality and safe use of medicines, particularly for older Australians.

A/Prof Freeman said the agreement provided certainty around medication management programs which would enable pharmacists to help solve the issue of medication-related harm in Australia, that costs the economy $1.4 billion annually.

“This agreement is an increase of $100 million on expenditure for professional programs under the previous agreement,” he said.

“PSA fought incredibly hard to represent pharmacists in this agreement. This was a particularly difficult agreement to negotiate, given the likely impacts resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.

“This is a forward-looking agreement, flexible in its approach. It provides an opportunity for the implementation of significant policy reforms, particularly in the areas of aged care and mental health that will have a direct impact on patient health outcomes

“This agreement also supports the uptake of electronic prescribing to enable safer and more efficient use and supply of medicines by pharmacists while supporting patient choice and ensuring their privacy is maintained.”

For the first time, PSA is a signatory to the Community Pharmacy Agreement and remains the custodian for the Code of Ethics, National Competency Standards Framework for Pharmacists, Professional Practice Standards and practice guidelines governing the professional practice of pharmacists in Australia.

“This will enable PSA to shape professional practice standards and raise the bar of professional pharmacist practice in Australia,” A/Prof Freeman said.

“PSA’s role in negotiations will achieve genuine and positive outcomes over the term of the agreement, support the vital role of pharmacists in primary care and enable them to practice to full scope, delivering better health outcomes for their patients.

“PSA would like to thank the Minister for Health, the Hon. Greg Hunt, who recognised our status as the peak body for pharmacists and custodian of professional practice and included us as a signatory to the Community Pharmacy Agreement for the first time.

“We would also like to acknowledge the hard work of the Commonwealth Department of Health and the Pharmacy Guild of Australia.”

A/Prof Freeman said PSA would continue to work with Minister Hunt, the Department of Health, and the Pharmacy Guild on a number of additional funding measures for consumers so that pharmacists can realise their potential as part of the wider health care team.

Media contact: PSA Media 0487 922 176

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NT community better protected by removing barriers to vaccination by pharmacists

Friday June 5 2020

Those most vulnerable in the Northern Territory (NT) will now be better protected following an announcement by the NT Government today to allow pharmacists to administer vaccinations outside of a community pharmacy.

In a move that has been welcomed by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA), pharmacists are now able to provide vaccinations in places such as residential aged care settings, Aboriginal Medical Services, private and public hospitals as well as community pharmacies.

PSA SA/NT Branch President Robyn Johns congratulated the NT Government for this announcement that will ensure pharmacists can vaccinate more people, particularly those most vulnerable in our society against preventable diseases such as influenza.

“This announcement means people who have difficulty accessing vaccinations, particularly those who may be housebound due to COVID-19 or residents of aged care facilities can now be provided much needed vaccines,” she said.

“This year we have seen a particularly large uptake from people, including those in the Northern Territory accessing the influenza vaccine and pharmacists continue to play a key role in keeping the community safe.

“PSA has advocated and worked with the NT Government for many years to improve access to vaccinations to protect the community and this announcement will go a long way in boosting vaccination rates across the territory.”

The Government also announced that influenza vaccinations can now be administered by pharmacists to children aged 10 years and older (previously 16 years), also helping increase the vaccination rates across the territory.

Ms Johns said PSA members have experienced frustrations from parents in recent influenza seasons where it was difficult to arrange access for their children to get their influenza vaccine.

“Pharmacists are the most accessible to the community than any other health provider and are well trained in the administration of these vaccines,” she said.

“As the peak national body for pharmacists, we will continue to work closely with the Northern Territory Government to allow pharmacists to remove more barriers which restrict pharmacists from administering other vaccines to protect the NT community.

Media contact: PSA SA/NT State Manager Helen Stone: 0418 846 426

Chelsea Felkai elected PSA NSW Branch President

Thursday 4 June 2020

Newcastle based community pharmacist Chelsea Felkai has been elected as New South Wales (NSW) Branch President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA).

Ms Felkai, an early career pharmacist locums in community pharmacy and is currently undertaking a PhD and teaches at the University of Newcastle.

Ms Felkai is the third female to be elected as President in the history of the PSA in NSW, with the last female president, Pam Loveridge, elected over 25 years ago in 1994-1995.

A vocal advocate for the expansion of pharmacists’ roles, particularly those that support medicines safety, Ms Felkai is also the past chair of the NSW Early Career Pharmacist working group.

Her contributions extend to the development of online education in prescription medicine safety, harm minimisation and recent publications in the Australian Pharmacist in clinical and industry areas. She is also a representative on the NSW Poison’s Advisory Committee.

Ms Felkai said she has a strong interest working closely with key stakeholders at both state and local levels to ensure pharmacists are included in funding and training arrangements, as well as ensuring pharmacists have greater input into healthcare considerations.

“I have always been passionate about pharmacists being recognised and utilised to their full potential in health care, as well as working across various settings,” she said.

“I look forward to being able to make a positive impact and working closely with the committee, pharmacists and key organisations in NSW.”

With her role as NSW Branch President to begin from July 1 2020, outgoing president Professor Peter Carroll has been elected as the NSW Board Appointed PSA director.

Ms Felkai acknowledged the fine work of her predecessor Professor Carroll.

“Over the past three years, Peter has raised the profile of the PSA in NSW and driven many successful initiatives, such as the expansion of vaccination,” she said.

“He has developed strong working relationships with Ministers, Members of Parliament, government officials, and professional pharmacy colleagues such as the Pharmacy Guild in NSW.”

“I intend to further this important work and look forward to working with the NSW Ministry of Health to facilitate pharmacists’ involvement in key health areas to provide better outcomes for the NSW community.”

The NSW branch also elected Krysti-Lee Rigby and Peter Carroll as Vice Presidents.

Media contact: PSA NSW State Manager: Simone Diamandis: 0414 574 754

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Palliative Care, it’s a Human Right

Wednesday 27 April 2020

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is recognising Australian Pharmacists, other health professionals and carers who support patients and their families during end of life.

This National Palliative Care Week’s theme Palliative Care, it’s more than you think, focuses on supporting patients physical, emotional, spiritual and social need.

PSA National President, Associate Professor Chris Freeman said the primary health care team that provides optimal care for those in palliative care is very diverse and includes pharmacists, general practitioners, nurses, nurse practitioners and other allied health workers.

“Even throughout the COVID-19 pandemic those working in palliative care have continued to provide support to their patients and families under considerable stress,” he said.

“Primary healthcare teams have had to adapt their approach to how they treat their patients who have less access to their families during the pandemic.

“It is important that palliative care week helps shine a light on the incredible work many health care professionals are providing to patients in palliative care and starts proactive conversations in the community.”

South Australia State Manager Helen Stone said PSA is delighted to receive two grants from the South Australian government under the Palliative Care 2020 Grants Program.

“The palliative care medication management masterclass will provide a comprehensive suite of learning modules for medicines management for end-of-life care,” she said.

“The masterclass will be delivered as a series of collaborative health practitioner workshops focused on medicines management for end of life care.

“The second project will establish a palliative care pharmacist in aged care program and articulate a framework for the role of the Palliative Care Pharmacist in Aged Care. The project aims to establish a network and communication pathway between specialist palliative care pharmacists, Aged Care pharmacists, community pharmacists and GPs.”

PSA has also teamed up with the Adelaide Primary Health Network to provide the Palliative Care Access to core Medicines (PCAM) project that aims to support palliative care in the community by improving access to vital medicines at end of life.

Media contact: PSA Media: 0487 922 176

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Electronic prescription support line for pharmacists launched

Wednesday, 27 May 2020

Over 10 million telehealth consultations between Australians and their health care providers have already been made possible during COVID-19 and many of these have been able to receive medicines due to Australia’s digitally progressive pharmacists.

The interim image-based supply of medicine model adopted due to COVID-19 saw pharmacists again being the front line of digital transformation – enabling patients and prescribers to access medicines when physical contact was not possible.

The move to electronic prescriptions will make it even easier for Australians wanting to do the right thing and isolate, to receive care from their doctors and pharmacists from their own homes.

This week, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is launching a dedicated pharmacist support line to help pharmacists and pharmacy staff with electronic prescriptions.

PSA National President Associate Professor Chris Freeman said “the interim image-based supply of medicine model implemented during the COVID-19 was critical to ensure the supply of medicines during the global pandemic – but it has put significant pressure on pharmacists with unclear laws and in some instances put patients and the community at risk”.

“The number one inquiry we have received from pharmacists during the COVID-19 Pandemic has been around interim image-based supply of medicine arrangements” he said.

“PSA welcomes the announcement by Government to move now to a staged and planned implementation of formal electronic prescription arrangements – which will see a safer, clearer and more secure electronic prescriptions model which protects patient’s privacy and safety.”

To support pharmacists to make the transition, PSA, today is pleased to offer a dedicated electronic prescriptions support line for pharmacists, staffed by experienced pharmacists who have access to the latest workflow information on how to adopt electronic prescriptions.

“I would urge any pharmacist or pharmacy support staff member to utilise the support line which will not only benefit them but in turn help pharmacies better educate their patients and members of the public on how electronic prescriptions work” said A/Prof Freeman.

The support line will be available to pharmacists Monday to Friday between the hours of 8:30am and 5:00pm on 1300 955 162 or email ep@psa.org.au.

PSA has also created a dedicated electronic prescriptions webpage which contains all the latest up to date information and resources for pharmacists: www.psa.org.au/ep

Media contact: PSA Media: 0487 922 176

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PSA welcomes Federal Government mental health initiative

18 May 2020

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the announcement made by the Federal Government that will see an extra $48.1 million put towards the COVID-19 mental health plan.

Announced by the Federal Minister Greg Hunt, $7.3 million will be used for research and real-time data, $29.5 million for outreach to vulnerable communities and $11.3 million for communication and other outreach programs.

PSA National President Associate Professor Chris Freeman said this announcement would not only benefit health professionals, including pharmacists that have been on the frontline during COVID-19, but all Australians.

“This has been a tough time for many Australians, including pharmacists who have continued to provide an essential service to the community throughout the entire COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.

“Pharmacists working during COVID-19, have not only had to care for patients but also had to look after the safety and wellbeing of their colleagues, family and friends, as well as themselves.

“I would ask any pharmacist’s struggling at the moment to reach out for help.

“PSA is delivering Mental Health First Aid training to Australian Pharmacists and Pharmacy staff to support them – as they support the community.

“Pharmacists are often the first health professional people will see in a disaster, PSA is committed to equipping pharmacists and pharmacy staff to be able to identify patients who might be in need of professional mental health services and referring them to the care they need.”

There are a range of support services available including on our PSA microsite, the pharmacist Support Service or Beyond Blue.”

Support services are available on the dedicated PSA COVID-19 microsite: www.psa.org.au/coronavirus

Pharmacists’ Support Service is available on 1300 244 910 and Beyond Blue 1800 512 348.

Media contact: PSA media: 0487 922 176

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