World Immunisation Week: Long Life for All – In pursuit of a long life well lived

Sunday 24^th April 2022

 

Today, 24^th April, marks the start of World Immunisation Week, an occasion dedicated to encouraging the use of vaccines to protect people of all ages against disease.

 

Second only to clean drinking water, vaccination is one of the most important health interventions to reduce mortality. The positive impact on human health is difficult to overestimate.

 

A/Prof Chris Freeman, National President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, acknowledged this important period, praising all of Australia’s authorised immunisers.

 

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of Australia’s immunisers, especially our pharmacist immunisers, for your vaccination efforts over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

“COVID-19 aside, our nation’s immunisers have gone above and beyond for their patients and communities to ensure that Australians are keeping up to date with all vaccinations, during a time when traditional primary healthcare arrangements have been altered drastically.

 

“The theme of World Immunisation Week this year is Long Life for All – In pursuit of a long life well lived, perfectly capturing what we, as pharmacist immunisers, are helping achieve, with every vaccine we administer.

 

“Over 6.8 million COVID-19 vaccine doses have now been administered by pharmacists through local pharmacies, and many, many more have been administered in hubs, hospitals, general practice and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs).

 

“With the influenza season now in full swing, pharmacists have already made significant progress in the national vaccination campaign, where they have now administered over 275,000 influenza vaccines in 2022.”

 

He went on call for better access to all vaccinations from pharmacists.

 

“The benefits of vaccination on human health are clear, but still, barriers to vaccine access remain.

 

“Only a small selection of vaccinations are available from pharmacists and there are still restrictions on the age and location they can be administered. We need to ensure all vaccinations are available, when and where people need them.

 

“Funding provided for vaccinations also creates barriers to access.

 

“As it stands, the public is unable to access the same level of subsidies for the administration of National Immunisation Program (NIP) vaccines when they visit their pharmacist compared to other vaccine providers. Unfortunately, this then leaves vulnerable population groups potentially out of pocket for a critical public health measure.

 

“With the Federal Election to taking place in less than a month, the incoming government must prioritise the equity of vaccine administration payments for the public accessing NIP vaccines, ensuring that immunisation programs can continue sustainably.

 

“Introducing a single MBS service payment to pharmacists for assessing suitability and administering vaccinations funded through the NIP will ensure that vaccines such as COVID-19 and influenza remain viable when administered by a pharmacist, and dramatically reduce out of pocket costs for patients.

 

“Failure to remunerate pharmacists for these services makes it harder for people to be protected and limits uptake, factors which will have dire consequences on the health and wellbeing of the population,” A/Prof Freeman said.

 

Over the coming months, PSA is committed to working with the incoming government to tackling barriers precluding access to vaccination through Australia’s frontline healthcare workforce, pharmacists.

 

 

Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463

PSA welcomes new Tasmanian Premier

Friday 8^th April 2022

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia’s (PSA) Tasmania Branch welcomes the appointment of Jeremy Rockliff MP as Premier of Tasmania and Michael Ferguson MP as the state’s Deputy Premier.

 

This morning, Jeremy Rockliff MP, previously serving as Tasmania’s Minister for Health, was appointed Premier of Tasmania, replacing Peter Gutwein MP.

 

PSA Tasmania Branch President, David Peachey, congratulated Premier Rockliff and thanked the outgoing Premier for his service.

 

“I congratulate the incoming Premier and Deputy Premier on their appointments respectively, and PSA looks forward continuing our positive and collaborative relationship with the Tasmanian Government.

 

“Premier Rockliff’s experience, particularly in the health portfolio, serving as Deputy Premier, Minister for Health and Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing, will serve the state well into the future.

 

“PSA also thanks former Premier, Peter Gutwein, for his support of pharmacists and Tasmania’s healthcare system throughout his tenure.

 

“His leadership has played a critical role in keeping Tasmanians safe throughout the pandemic, and keeping the COVID-19 infection rate low for such a long period of time.

 

“We wish him and his family all the best for the future,” Mr Peachey said.

 

 

Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463

Australian first: Influenza vaccine now available for 5 years and older from pharmacists, but over 65’s still missing out.

Wednesday 6^th March 2022

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia’s (PSA) Queensland Branch welcomes increased access to the influenza vaccine for Queensland children, but is deeply concerned this is only temporary and that barriers to access still remain for those aged 65 and over.

 

Under emergency health orders, Queensland pharmacists can now administer influenza vaccines to children 5 years and over in any Australian Government and Queensland Government controlled COVID-19 vaccination service, including community pharmacies, medical centres, hospitals, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs), aged care and disability centres.

 

PSA Queensland Branch President, Shane MacDonald, welcomed this Australian first move but was frustrated that access for an equally susceptible cohort remains restricted.

 

“This is a sensible change, and not a moment too soon.

 

“Children can be influenza super-spreaders and vaccination is the best line of defence for themselves and those around them.

 

“The upcoming school holidays are a great opportunity for kids to come in for their COVID-19 and influenza vaccines on the same day. Flu vaccines are available now, so make an appointment for the whole family today through your local pharmacy.

 

“Despite leading in the protection of children, the Queensland Government now needs to act to support those over the age of 65 to access National Immunisation Program flu vaccines from pharmacies.

 

“Right now, Queenslanders aged 65 years are unable to access the recommended vaccine for their age from their pharmacy, with the Queensland Government denying access to the National Immunisation Program to pharmacies, something that the rest of the country is supporting this year.

 

“Experts anticipate that the severity of influenza will be highly unpredictable this year, and the season will soon be in full swing. By failing to allow pharmacists, our most accessible healthcare workforce, to vaccinate older Queenslanders, these people are being significantly disadvantaged.

 

“It makes no sense that a mum can bring her kids into the pharmacy for their flu vaccine, but grandma and grandpa can’t join them. Why do they need to join the queue at a government clinic, or make an appointment with a GP?

 

“We must join the rest of the country by removing barriers to vaccination and aligning the funding and regulation of pharmacist-administered vaccinations with that of all other authorised immunisers,” Mr MacDonald said.

 

PSA will continue to work closely with the Queensland Government to improve accessibility to the seasonal influenza vaccine, ultimately improving access for vulnerable Queenslanders.

 

 

Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463

Outstanding SA pharmacists recognised!

Friday 1^st April 2022

 

Outstanding pharmacists have been recognised at the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia’s (PSA) SA Pharmacy Awards conference held this evening in Adelaide.

 

These awards acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of outstanding SA and NT pharmacists through the Gold Medal, Intern Pharmacist of the Year, Early Career Pharmacist (ECP) of the Year, Pharmacist of the Year and Lifetime Achievement awards.

 

This year’s award winners are as follows:

 

• Gold Medal: Mikah Peterson MPS
• Intern Pharmacist of the Year: Lauren Fraser MPS
• Early Career Pharmacist of the Year: Julian Soriano MPS
• Pharmacist of the Year: Kylie Van Rooijen MPS
• Lifetime Achievement Award: Kingsley Coulthard FPS

 

PSA’s SA Branch President, Robyn Johns, congratulated the winners on their success and highlighted their contributions.

 

“Over the past two years, our pharmacists have gone over and above for their communities, and on behalf of the PSA, I thank them for supporting the health and wellbeing of South Australians.

 

“I congratulate this year’s award recipients for their significant contribution to the pharmacy profession, excelling themselves and advancing pharmacy practice across the state,” she said.

 

Mikah Peterson, currently undertaking her internship with SA Pharmacy, within the Southern Adelaide Local Health Network (SALHN), was awarded the Gold Medal.

 

“Following clinical placements at TerryWhite Chemmart Christies Guild and Flinders Medical Centre, Mikah undertook an 8-week research project in her final year of study at the University of South Australia with the Medication Safety Committee at SALHN. The project assessed nurses’ understanding of high-risk medications such as high dose insulin and auditing sedation score monitoring following the administration of opioids.

 

“Mikah has demonstrated a passion for pharmacy practice and intends to continue working as a hospital pharmacist, and evidently, has a promising career ahead of her,” Ms Johns said.

 

Lauren Fraser was awarded Intern Pharmacist of the Year for her commitment to patient care, initiative in service delivery and professional engagement.

 

“Lauren’s internship was divided between University of South Australia research and community pharmacy, during a complex and demanding 2021. Despite this, she excelled in both fields.

 

“She allocated time to developing professional partnerships, designing progressive pharmacy tools, services and research, and donated much of her time to supporting patients and co-workers with their health.

 

“Lauren has developed partnerships with many external groups including Sonder and Asthma Australia, co-designing grant applications with each to further pharmacy practice, both of which are being progressed, and supported a successful local COVID-19 immunisation event for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

 

“I congratulate Lauren on her achievement and will be watching her career with great interest,” she said.

 

Julian Soriano was awarded Early Career Pharmacist of the Year for his commitment to aged care and palliative care pharmacy.

 

“Through his work as an embedded aged care pharmacist, Julian has been at the forefront of establishing the critical role that pharmacists can play in residential aged care facilities. His work in this space has been integral to securing $345.7 million in Federal Government funding for the embedding of pharmacists in these facilities, as announced last week.

 

“Julian’s willingness to share knowledge and advocate for pharmacists demonstrates his dedication to improving the lives of older Australians through better medication and health management.

 

“Through setting up regular multidisciplinary team case conferencing meetings, Julian has contributed to advances in medicines safety. He has initiated pharmacists’ role in the palliative care team for residents in RACFs through collaborating with community pharmacy to improve end-of-life care for residents, establishing a network and communication pathway between specialist palliative care services and local pharmacy services.

 

“He truly is a pioneer of multidisciplinary pharmacy practice and is thoroughly deserving of this award,” she said.

 

Port Lincoln-based community pharmacist and trainee educator, Kylie Van Rooijen, was named Pharmacist of the Year for outstanding service to SA pharmacy, spanning over a 30-year period.

 

“As a key member of the PSA and CountrySA PHN project, Kylie also works in the Boston Bay Family Health Clinic where she provides a range of services including medication reviews, advice and education, and liaison between the general practice, hospitals and community pharmacy.

 

“A self-proclaimed medication translator, Kylie reconciles hospital discharge summaries with general practice health records and conducts patient consultations, helping to reduce the possibility of medication problems. Such problems include treatment courses not being completed, or a person failing to restart taking vital medications which they were taken off during their hospital stay.

 

“Kylie believes that it is imperative for pharmacists to keep up-to-date with practice guideline and regulatory changes, and through this role, she can ensure that this information is easily accessible for GPs and registrars, freeing up their time to focus on patient care.

 

“A fierce advocate for equity in healthcare, Kylie works at the Port Lincoln Aboriginal Health Centre, in a role she created for herself. Determined to make a difference to the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, the impact she has had on their patients and practice has been significant, so-much-so that the clinic opted to keep her on two days a week.

 

“Also training as a diabetes educator, Kylie’s commitment to furthering pharmacy practice in South Australia has been exceptional, attracting and inspiring future generations of pharmacists.

 

The University of South Australia’s, Adj A/Prof Kingsley Coulthard FPS, was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award for half a century of service to South Australian pharmacy.

 

“Kingsley, hospital pharmacist and nationally-recognised advocate for equity of access for children, to safe and effective medicines, has received this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award for more than 50 years of service to the profession.

 

“He commenced his pharmacy career at the Adelaide Children’s Hospital in 1971, working in paediatrics in Australia and overseas until his retirement as Director of Pharmacy at the Adelaide Women’s and Children’s Hospital in 2010.

 

“His main research and clinical interests have been in the area of paediatric therapeutics, in particular, relating to asthma and cystic fibrosis. He is also a member of the paediatric writing group for the Australian Asthma Handbook and a member of the Asthma Australia Advisory Committee.

 

“In 2009, Kingsley received the SHPA’s Fred J Boyd Award. This biannual award is presented to a hospital pharmacist who has made an outstanding contribution to hospital pharmacy. He also served as a member of the PSA SA/NT Branch Committee from 2014 to 2021.

 

“More recently, he has been involved in the education of pharmacy students and interns and is an examiner for the Australian Pharmacy Council. He has a major interest in the challenges of rural and remote pharmacy practice and continues to work in that area as a locum, conducting home medicines reviews on the Yorke Peninsula,” Ms Johns said.

 

PSA congratulates all winners on their achievements and thanks them for their service to pharmacy in South Australia.

 

 

Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463

Closing the Gap on health inequality

Thursday 17^th March 2022

 

Health equality is a fundamental human right and it is critical that Australia meets this standard for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) believes that Australia’s healthcare system must strive to better meet the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to protect and support health, wellbeing, culture and Country.

 

PSA National President, A/Prof Chris Freeman, said that progress is being made in improving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, but there is still a long way to go.

 

“PSA believes that health equality as a fundamental right for all, and as today is National Close the Gap Day, I reiterate that we must continue to take steps toward achieving health equality for First Nations Peoples. I thank those pharmacists supporting and working towards quality use of medicines with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

 

“PSA calls on the government to consider expanding the Closing the Gap Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme Co-payment Program to include PBS medicines supplied under special supply arrangements established under Section 100 of the National Health Act 1953.

 

“As clinicians, it is critical that we continue to practise cultural humility and strive to challenge unconscious bias in order to move toward culturally safe and responsive models of care.

 

“Models of care must align with the six domains of the Cultural Respect Framework 2016-2026 for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health, with the overarching aim to improve the access and responsiveness of the health system in Australia.

 

“PSA respects the principle of self-determination and acknowledges that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people know what is best for themselves, their families and communities.

 

“We recognise that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ connection to family, community, culture and Country is critical to wellbeing and positive self-identity.

 

“PSA respects the need for Aboriginal-led transformation, and recognises the resilience, strengths and leadership of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities and organisations.

 

“When Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are involved in the design of the services they need, success is far more likely to be achieved.

 

“Sadly, only a small proportion, roughly 0.3%, of registered pharmacists in Australia identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people. Through promotion of initiatives like the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Pharmacy Scholarship Scheme, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Pharmacy Assistant Traineeship Scheme and creating opportunities to showcase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander pharmacists at events such as PSA’s annual conference, PSA is dedicated to increasing this degree of representation.

 

“As the lead organisation for the Integrating Pharmacists within Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (IPAC) project, PSA also continues to advocate for models of care which further enables pharmacists to support the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

 

“PSA is proud to have our Reconciliation Action Plan endorsed by Reconciliation Australia, a framework which signifies our commitment to driving reconciliation throughout the organisation. This strategy builds further on current reconciliation initiatives by means of awareness and action,” A/Prof Freeman said.

 

 

Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463

Utilise pharmacists to protect health of Queenslanders