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PSA Annual Report FY 2023-24 released

7 November 2024

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has released its 2023/24 Annual Report, marking a significant period of growth for both the organisation and the broader profession.

 

Among PSA’s key achievements is the signing of the first Strategic Agreement on Professional Pharmacist Practice with the Australian Government, acknowledging pharmacists’ critical role in healthcare and providing a framework to further empower their expanding scope of practice.

 

The Agreement recognises PSA’s role as the peak body for all pharmacists across all areas of practice, and further articulates a shared goal between our beloved profession and the Commonwealth government on empowering pharmacists’ role in primary care.

 

With a renewed focus on medicines safety, PSA continued to elevate professional standards, publishing reimagined Professional Practice Standards and the 26th edition of the Australian Pharmaceutical Formulary, APF26. These initiatives, combined with targeted training and practice guidance, have equipped pharmacists across Australia with the tools to meet the rising demands of their expanded roles.

 

Throughout the year, PSA advocated vigorously for state and federal reforms to extend pharmacists’ scope of practice. Achievements include launching new pilot programs in community pharmacy, such as the Queensland Scope of Practice Pilot and various initiatives to enable pharmacists to manage conditions like urinary tract infections, provide vaccinations, and support chronic disease management.

 

Much of the work on Pharmacists in 2030 was undertaken in the 2023-24 financial year, including a series of targeted consultations with members, health sector stakeholders, and consumers. The result was a forward-thinking vision launched at PSA24 by Minister for Health and Aged Care, the Hon. Mark Butler MP in August.

 

Reflecting on the year, PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim said she feels enormously proud of what the profession has achieved, with PSA supporting it along the way.

 

“Through a turbulent year, our focus has remained firmly on giving our members the professional resources, practice support and education they need to not only survive, but thrive in an expanding profession,” Associate Professor Sim said.

 

“I encourage all pharmacists to become PSA members – the more pharmacists who are members, the more PSA can do to support the profession with high level advocacy, but also at the grassroots level with professional development, education and practice support.

 

“As we look to the year ahead, there is more work to do. I am excited for the future of the profession and realising the benefits of the foundations laid over the past 12 months.”

 

PSA CEO Adjunct Associate Professor Steve Morris said he remains optimistic about the role PSA plays in the pharmacy sector.

 

“PSA’s success over this year reflects our commitment to advocating for and supporting pharmacists at every stage of their careers,” Morris said.

 

“PSA has achieved strong growth in key metrics, including total membership and increased revenue driven through our projects and partnerships despite a challenging economic environment.

 

“I am proud to lead the organisation through this period of stabilisation, maturation and growth. I would like to take this opportunity to recognise the collective contribution of the whole PSA team around the country during 2023/24 financial year for their work in supporting PSA members. I also wish to thank Fei, the National Board, branch committee members and others who have contributed to the considerable output of PSA.”

 

For more details, the full Annual Report 2023-24 is available here.

 

Media contact:   Georgia Clarke   M: 0480 099 798  E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au

Scope of practice report confirms barriers to care and inefficiencies in current health system – time to implement all 18 recommendations

5 November 2024

 

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA), the peak body representing 39,000 pharmacists across Australia’s health system, welcomes today’s release of the Unleashing the potential of our health workforce – Scope of practice review, setting out a clear pathway for health professionals to contribute more to our health system and practice to their full and top of scope.

 

The report calls for governments to remove the inconsistent barriers that restrict the scope of healthcare professionals, including pharmacists.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS commended the report’s focus on removing barriers for pharmacists and other healthcare professionals as a critical step towards a more accessible and resilient healthcare system.

 

“This review confirms PSA’s view that inconsistent regulations, unnecessary restrictions on practice, and siloed workforces are having a negative impact on patient access to quality health care,” Associate Professor Sim said.

 

“Pharmacists are some of the most accessible healthcare professionals in our communities, yet regulatory barriers continue to limit our ability to provide care when and where our patients need it. The release of this final report is the next step towards breaking down these barriers through a short- and long-term reform agenda, addressing the inefficiencies in our health system.”

 

Associate Professor Sim said that the report’s recommendations present a genuine opportunity to improve access to health care across Australia.

 

“There is a clear alignment between Cormack’s recommendations and the actions in PSA’s vision for the pharmacy profession, Pharmacists in 2030. Both present a clear vision for the future that requires collaboration for a health system that works for patients,” Associate Professor Sim said.

 

“This report recognises the core role of pharmacies and pharmacists as primary healthcare providers and recommends a multidisciplinary approach to patient care.

 

“In order to make the most of the opportunities presented by the report, we need governments, regulators and health care professionals to work together for a strong, sustainable health system that utilises all health professionals to their full scope.

 

​​“I urge governments and stakeholders at all levels to accept and act on the report’s recommendations in full to build a health system ready for the growing health needs of Australians.”

 

A/Prof Fei Sim served on the Cormack Review’s Expert Advisory Committee, representing the pharmacy profession. PSA looks forward to continuing to work with federal, state and territory governments to implement the report’s findings.

 

Media contact:   Georgia Clarke   M: 0480 099 798  E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au

COVID-19 Inquiry report recognises the need for reform

30 October 2024

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the release of the COVID-19 Response Inquiry and its recommendations, including calls for the national harmonisation of pharmacist scope of practice and better utilisation of pharmacists from the outset of a health crisis.

 

The report recognises the critical services delivered by pharmacists throughout the pandemic, particularly in the quick and effective rollout of vaccination services.

 

In response to the inquiry report, the Albanese Government has announced funding for Australia’s first Centre of Disease Control.

 

“PSA welcomes the Federal Government’s commitment to establish a Centre for Disease Control as part of our national response to preventable disease and to help set our health system up to better manage health emergencies in the future,” PSA National President Associate Professor Sim said.

 

“We have long known that the skills and expertise of Australia’s pharmacists are not fully utilised in reducing the burden of preventable diseases, and that our profession can contribute more to the health of our nation.

 

“PSA continues to work with governments at all levels to optimise the role of pharmacists in our health care systems and ensure that our 39,000 pharmacists are better utilised when they’re needed most.”

 

Associate Professor Sim said it’s imperative that we reduce the red tape preventing pharmacists from boosting vaccination rates.

 

“Pharmacists can and should be better utilised as trusted health care professionals, working hand in glove with the rest of the primary care team to break down the barriers to vaccination, from improving equity and access, to amplifying public health messages and rebuilding trust.

 

“While pharmacists are delivering more vaccinations than ever before, there is still a long way to go to make vaccination standards consistent across the country, recognising that a pharmacist immuniser in one state is just as qualified as a pharmacist immuniser in another state, and should be able to provide the same vaccinations to the same subsect of patients.

 

“PSA advocates for equitable, timely and affordable access to safe healthcare for all Australians, and we advocate for all pharmacists across the country to be able to fulfil our role as primary healthcare providers, to deliver all vaccines to patients of all ages, under a nationally consistent vaccination schedule to meet real health needs of our patients.

 

“Our health system needs all immunisers to play a role in delivering vaccines wherever there is a patient need, whether a GP, nurse practitioner or pharmacist.”

 

Media contact:   Georgia Clarke   M: 0480 099 798  E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au

PSA congratulates incoming QLD Government, urging scope of practice pilots to continue

29 October 2024

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) congratulates the newly elected Queensland Government and looks forward to working with Premier-elect David Crisafulli to strengthen healthcare services across the state.

 

Queensland President Shane MacDonald MPS said PSA is eager to work with the incoming government to utilise the more than 7000 pharmacists practising across Queensland.

 

“We extend our congratulations to the Liberal National Party on their election and look forward to working with them to improve access to health care for all Queenslanders,” Mr MacDonald said.

 

“Aligning with Premier Crisafulli’s health policy agenda, we urge the incoming government to continue support for the Queensland Scope of Practice Pilot and the Hormonal Contraception Pilot, both of which are showing positive outcomes for accessible, timely healthcare.

 

“Community pharmacy pilots in Queensland have already demonstrated the crucial role that pharmacists can play in providing accessible and cost-effective care, helping alleviate pressure on other healthcare services and improve health outcomes statewide.

 

“PSA is ready to work with government to build on the success of these pilots, fostering a more resilient, accessible healthcare system that serves all Queenslanders.”

 

Mr MacDonald also thanked outgoing Health Minister Shannon Fentiman for her service to the sector.

 

“On behalf of pharmacists, I sincerely thank Minister Fentiman for her collaboration with PSA and the pharmacy sector during her time as Health Minister and wish her well for the coming parliamentary term.”

Media contact:   Georgia Clarke   M: 0480 099 798  E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au

PSA welcomes re-elected ACT Government and commitment to expanded scope of practice for pharmacists

29 October 2024

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) congratulates ACT Labor on their re-election and looks forward to working with the government to improve healthcare outcomes for the ACT community. PSA especially acknowledges the return of Minister for Health, Rachel Stephen-Smith MLA.

 

PSA ACT President Olivia Collenette MPS welcomed the incoming government’s commitment to expand the scope of practice for pharmacists, noting the positive impact it will have on patient care.

 

“We congratulate ACT Labor on their successful re-election campaign and are excited to continue working closely with Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith to deliver better healthcare for all Canberrans,” Ms Collenette said.

 

“We are particularly pleased to see the commitment to expanding the scope of practice for pharmacists. This will empower pharmacists to do more for their patients, improving access to essential healthcare services and ultimately enhancing health outcomes in our community.

 

“Pharmacists are highly trained and skilled healthcare professionals, and allowing them to work to their full scope of practice will relieve pressure on other areas of the healthcare system.

 

“On behalf of PSA I look forward to working with the re-elected ACT Government to ensure that this commitment is translated into effective policy and practice, creating a more accessible, sustainable, and responsive healthcare system for Canberrans.”

Media contact:   Georgia Clarke   M: 0480 099 798  E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au

Victoria’s leading pharmacists recognised

26 October 2024

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) presented its 2024 Victorian Excellence Awards in Melbourne last night, recognising six outstanding pharmacists for their commitment to excellence in pharmacy practice.

 

The PSA Victorian branch presented the following awards:

 

  • Victorian Pharmacist of the Year awarded to Brian Meier MPS
  • Victorian Early Career Pharmacist of the Year awarded to Dr Kate Wang MPS
  • Victorian Lifetime Achievement Award presented to Professor Colin Chapman FPS

 

The PSA Victorian Gold Medal, acknowledging grass roots contributions of the profession’s quiet achievers, was also awarded to husband-and-wife duo Michael Khoo MPS and Kimberly Tran MPS who own and operate the Belgrave South Community Pharmacy in Melbourne’s east. Both are very active in their community, but it is their combined dedication to the health and welfare of their community that earned them the PSA Victorian Gold Medal.

 

Kimberly Tran needs 24-hour oxygen to assist her breathing with a rare, chronic degenerative lung disease called lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM). She works full-time supporting her husband Michael Khoo’s front-facing role in the pharmacy they have owned for 2 decades. Mostly working together and focusing on traditional services delivered as best practice, they can take more time to intervene and counsel, making a difference to the level of care for patients.

 

PSA Victoria President Dr Amy Page FPS congratulated the award winners, recognising their longstanding dedication to the pharmacy profession and their patients.

 

“Each of our award winners demonstrates an exceptional level of passion and professionalism in their roles, their contributions not only elevating the pharmacy practice but also enhancing the health of their patients. We are incredibly proud of their achievements and grateful for the positive impact they continue to make in the lives of so many.”

 

“The dedication and compassion shown by our award winners serve as a powerful reminder of the critical role pharmacists play in the health care system. They are truly the heart of our profession, and we celebrate their remarkable achievements today.”

 

Media notes

 

PSA Victorian Pharmacist of the Year Brian Meier MPS has an impact that spans across Victoria, from Melbourne to rural communities in Horsham. With decades of experience in providing Residential and Home Medication Reviews, Brian has successfully integrated into multidisciplinary care teams, improving patient outcomes. His work in education and clinical governance in aged care and disability, bridging gaps in health care, has been invaluable in promoting advanced clinical pharmacy practice to health professionals and patients, especially in under-serviced rural and remote regions.

 

PSA Victorian Early Career Pharmacist of the Year Dr Kate Wang MPS is a visionary pharmacist driving innovation and expansion of the pharmacy profession. A senior Lecturer in pharmacy at RMIT, Dr Wang is passionate about education future pharmacists and expanding the profession’s scope of practice. She is also the chief investigator and stakeholder liaison officer for a nation-wide project integrating pharmacists into aged care, while also investigating the utilisation of e-prescriptions from the perspectives of consumers as well as pharmacists. Kate’s influence extends beyond Australia. She is collaborating with international partners in New Zealand, Korea, and China to explore the impact of beliefs and adherence on medication use in older people and expand the roles of pharmacists in aged care.

 

Still providing locums in country Victorian areas, the former Dean of Monash University’s Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, and veterinary surgeon, PSA Victorian Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Professor Colin Chapman FPS has been an outstanding mentor guiding students and practising pharmacists for decades. He has contributed significantly to the development of pharmacy, education, practice and research in Australia. Since retiring in 2010, he’s been involved in PSA’s Offshore Refresher Courses, medicine reviews and drug detection issues associated with the Australian horse racing industry.

 

 

Media contact:   Georgia Clarke   M: 0480 099 798  E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au

PSA introduces community of practice for consultant pharmacists

24 October 2024

 

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has established the Consultant Pharmacist Community of Specialty Interest (CSI), taking the reins from the Interdisciplinary team-based care CSI established in 2021.

 

The Consultant Pharmacist CSI will work with PSA to:

  • Encourage engagement and professional growth among consultant pharmacists through collaborative learning and foster discussions and idea-sharing to enrich the community’s collective knowledge and expertise.
  • Deliver Practical Workshops on essential topics for consultant pharmacists.
  • Gather insights from members to shape the Consultant Pharmacist Conference, emphasising themes like patient-centred care and lived experiences.
  • Strengthen professional recognition and visibility within the field for consultant pharmacists.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said the time was right to establish a dedicated community for consultant pharmacists and thanked the outgoing members of the CSI for their leadership.

 

“The outgoing leadership team have advised PSA on issues relating to consultant pharmacists and interdisciplinary team-based care during a period of significant change and uncertainty for this portion of our profession,” Associate Professor Sim said.

 

“On behalf of PSA I sincerely thank this experienced group of leaders for providing insights into the consultant pharmacist space and informing our work in this area over the last three years. Of course, we are proud to harness the experience and knowledge of outgoing CSI Chair Debbie Rigby, who continues to work with PSA in an advisory role helping lead, shape and further scale up our support for credentialed pharmacists.

 

“Now is the right time for PSA to refresh the CSI to reflect our growing community of consultant pharmacists specialising in general practice, aged care and medication management.

 

“Our CSIs are a forum for PSA members to connect with colleagues, share ideas, opportunities and resources, and grow their practice in a safe, professional environment. I encourage members to join our CSIs and take advantage of the professional communities they offer.”

 

Incoming CSI Chair Deborah Hawthorne FPS also extended a special thanks to outgoing chair Debbie Rigby FPS.

 

“Under Debbie’s leadership this CSI has established itself as an important advisory group for PSA and we thank her for her input and guidance. We’re also very excited that she is staying on as a member of the CSI Leadership group to mentor us and continuing providing valuable input.

 

“The consultant pharmacist community in Australia is going through a time of great change, but also a time where new opportunities are presenting themselves. I’m excited to be leading this CSI and hope to be able to use this role to guide PSA in providing tailored support and resources to consultant pharmacist members.

 

“This is a really exciting time to be a consultant pharmacist and I’m looking forward to using the Consultant Pharmacist CSI platform to help pharmacists get the most out of every opportunity that presents itself.”

 

The Consultant Pharmacist Community of Specialty Interest is led by:

  • Deborah Hawthorne FPS (chair)
  • Kelly Abbott MPS
  • Manya Angley FPS
  • Lily Chong MPS
  • Erin Colreavy MPS
  • Sharon Doolan MPS
  • Joanne Gross MPS
  • Bente Hart MPS
  • Nick Mamas MPS
  • Lucy Parker MPS
  • Debbie Rigby FPS
  • Rania Saad MPS
  • Brooke Shelly FPS
  • Brooke Snow MPS
  • Raymond Truong MPS
  • Kristin Turner MPS

 

The Consultant Pharmacist – Community of Specialty Interest is an exclusive forum for PSA members. Join PSA today by visiting www.psa.org.au/membership​​

Media contact:   Georgia Clarke   M: 0480 099 798  E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au

PSA welcomes new Tasmanian Health Minister

21 October 2024

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) congratulates Jacquie Petrusma MP on her appointment as Tasmania’s next Minister for Health, and thanks outgoing Minister Guy Barnett MP for his service to the portfolio.

 

PSA Tasmania President Mark Kirschbaum FPS welcomed Minister Petrusma to the role.

 

“Minister Petrusma is an experienced, strong leader for Tasmania’s health portfolio,” Mr Kirschbaum said.

 

“Minister Petrusma’s energy and experience as a Registered Nurse will no doubt benefit the sector as we face the nation-wide challenges of an ageing population.

 

“On behalf of pharmacists across Tasmania, I thank Deputy Premier Guy Barnett for his service and leadership in the Tasmanian health portfolio.

 

“His time as Health Minister saw a great deal of progress, utilising the skills and expertise of pharmacists to boost timely, accessible care for Tasmanians.

 

“As we look forward to the next steps of the government’s scope of practice review, PSA looks forward to continuing to work with the Rockliff Government and Minister Petrusma to advocate for the role of pharmacists in our state’s healthcare system.”

 

Media contact:   Georgia Clarke   M: 0480 099 798  E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au

Leading Queensland pharmacists awarded by peak body

20 October 2024

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has presented its 2024 Queensland Excellence Awards in Brisbane last night, recognising five outstanding pharmacists for their commitment to excellence in pharmacy practice.

 

The PSA Queensland branch presented the following awards:

 

  • Queensland Pharmacist of the Year awarded to Associate Professor Esther Lau MPS
  • Queensland Early Career Pharmacist of the Year awarded to James Buckley MPS
  • Queensland Intern Pharmacist of the Year awarded to Antonia Hurd
  • Queensland Lifetime Achievement Award presented to Professor Beverley Glass FPS

 

The annual Professor James Dare Pharmacy Graduate of the Year was also awarded to James Cook University student Shylee-Jade Hadar-Pagliari.

PSA Queensland President Shane MacDonald MPS acknowledged the achievements of the award winners as well as the continued dedication of pharmacists practising throughout the state.

 

“It’s an inspiration to see the amazing work pharmacists are doing in communities across Queensland, and a great privilege to recognise them for their dedication in advancing the profession.

 

“On behalf of the PSA I congratulate the outstanding pharmacists presented with awards and thank them for their commitment to bettering the health of Queenslanders.”

 

Media notes

 

PSA Queensland Pharmacist of the Year Associate Professor Esther Lau MPS has been a transformative force in advancing the pharmacy profession in Queensland. As course coordinator of QUT’s pharmacy program, she played a key role in implementing innovative curricula and leading research for Queensland’s vaccination and UTI pilot programs. One of the first trained pharmacy vaccinators in Australia, Dr. Lau also developed a vaccination training program during COVID-19 to support mass vaccination efforts.

 

Her work in establishing Australia’s first non-medical prescribing course laid the groundwork for expanded pharmacist prescribing pilots. Dr. Lau’s academic achievements include multiple teaching awards, over 50 peer-reviewed publications, and mentoring numerous postgraduate students who now hold leadership roles.

 

Beyond academia, Dr. Lau has been actively involved with the PSA Queensland Branch Committee and has contributed to professional standards and assessments in pharmacy. Her efforts have been pivotal in expanding the role of pharmacists in healthcare, driving practice change, and creating new opportunities for the profession. Dr. Lau’s lasting impact on pharmacy is evident through her dedication, innovation, and commitment to advancing healthcare.

 

 

PSA Queensland Early Career Pharmacist of the Year James Buckley MPS has embraced every opportunity early in his pharmacy career. As managing partner at Live Life Pharmacy in Port Douglas, James was among the first to complete the North Queensland Pharmacist Full Scope of Practice Pilot, providing expanded health services, including additional medicines management and prescribing for a range of common conditions.

 

James’s influence extends beyond his own practice; he has taken on a mentoring role, guiding other pharmacists through the transition to this broader scope of practice. His commitment to knowledge-sharing is evident in his active participation as a speaker at national conferences, where he shares insights on expanded pharmacist roles and the successful implementation of these services. His efforts are not only advancing pharmacy practice in Queensland but are also setting a precedent for broader national adoption of similar models, helping to transform how healthcare is delivered across Australia.

Through his leadership in the North Queensland Pharmacist Full Scope of Practice Pilot, James Buckley is driving significant change in healthcare delivery, demonstrating the critical role that pharmacists can play in improving patient outcomes and strengthening the healthcare workforce.


PSA Queensland Intern Pharmacist of the Year
Antonia Hurd has demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment during her internship, excelling in patient care, service delivery, and professional engagement. Antonia played a key role in managing essential pharmacy services, including vaccinations, cholesterol and blood glucose testing, and sleep apnoea screening, while also overseeing the dose administration aid service for patients with complex medication needs.

 

A key achievement of Antonia’s internship is her research on the link between chronic pain and mental illness, published as part of the PharMIbridge Randomised Controlled Trial. This work underscores her focus on advancing mental health care within the pharmacy profession. Her involvement in community outreach, including mental health initiatives and educational events, further illustrates her dedication to expanding the role of pharmacists in public health.

 

 

 

PSA Queensland Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Professor Beverley Glass FPS is recognised for her outstanding and sustained contribution to the development of pharmacy education, practice and research, and particularly her role in establishing the James Cook University Pharmacy program which has developed a generation of pharmacists ready for practice in North Queensland.

 

Under her leadership the JCU students have received several awards, including pharmacy student of the year, pharmacy intern of the year and runner up in the national pharmacy student business plan competition. She has invested incredible amounts of time and energy into the future academic workforce also and in supporting the health services and system to solve complex problems in an area of high need. Beverley has completed 50 honours students and 33 PhD and master’s students, many of whom now hold clinical, professional and academic leadership roles in Australia and overseas. Beverley has grown the discipline itself, its academics, and the research profile of the discipline.

 

Prof Glass shares the outcomes of her research with others so they can also learn, having published over 120 peer-reviewed Journal articles in the last 10 years alone and presented her research at both national and international conferences. She is a regular contributor to professional education articles (including Australian Pharmacist) and is part of the Australian Pharmaceutical Formulary compounding expert advisory group. She has given hundreds of research conference presentations and invited national and international keynote, plenary or workshop presentations.

 

Her contributions to the key practice change work within Queensland in UTI and vaccination particularly has seen pharmacists play a pivotal role in access to care in rural and regional Australia and has provided a policy platform for other initiatives, innovations and research work for her team, more recently the first nations children’s ear conditions diagnosis and treatment project and now the North Queensland Full Scope of Practice Pharmacy Pilot. Through her work as a clinician, teacher, researcher, academic and advocate, Professor Glass has been a driving force for rural and remote pharmacy training and practice, forging new roles and pathways for the pharmacists to contribute to healthcare teams. She is a quiet achiever, mentor, support and advocate for pharmacists and pharmacy.

 

 

 

As a final-year pharmacy student at James Cook University, Professor James Dare Pharmacy Graduate of the Year Shylee-Jade Hadar-Pagliari demonstrates exceptional leadership. Shylee’s passion for pharmacy is evident in everything she does, from her dedication to patients and peers, to the profession as a whole.

 

Shylee-Jade consistently goes above and beyond, always striving to ensure the well-being and success of those around her. This level of selflessness speaks to her character and her unwavering commitment to making a positive impact. Her academic achievements are equally impressive. Despite taking on a significant number of professional responsibilities, including as Internal & External Affairs Director for the National Australian Pharmacy Students’ Association (NAPSA), Shylee has managed to maintain a solid academic performance. Her ability to excel in both areas highlights her strong work ethic, determination, and excellent time management skills.

 

In addition to her academic and professional accomplishments, Shylee possesses outstanding leadership qualities. Her natural ability to inspire and guide others is already making a lasting impact on her peers. Shylee personifies the qualities that make a great pharmacist – she is humble, kind, and deeply caring. Her focus is always on the collective success of her patients and colleagues rather than on personal recognition. This integrity and commitment to the greater good reflect her sincerity and devotion to her chosen path.

 

Moreover, Shylee brings a positive and uplifting presence to any environment. Her approachable nature fosters collaboration and camaraderie, making interactions with her both enjoyable and productive. Her contributions to date, along with her potential to make even greater strides in the future, make her a deserving recipient of the 2024 Professor James Dare Pharmacy Graduate of the Year award.

 

Media contact:   Georgia Clarke   M: 0480 099 798  E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au

Pharmacists back proposal to make interstate prescriptions easier to access in Tasmania

18 October 2024

 

Tasmanian Health Minister Guy Barnett MP has today announced a proposal to amend the Poisons Act 1971 to allow prescriptions issued interstate to be filled by Tasmanian pharmacists.

 

The proposal is welcomed by Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) Tasmania President Mark Kirschbaum FPS.

 

“The proposed changes to the Poisons Act will have a widespread positive impact, providing greater access to medicines for conditions like ADHD,” Mr Kirschbaum said.

 

“PSA has a long history of advocating for harmonisation of regulations and legislation across the country. We’re glad to see Tasmania take action to ensure medicines are accessible and safe when and where they’re needed.”

 

The Minister also announced that the Tasmanian Department of Health will also undertake a comprehensive review of the Poisons Act. PSA will continue to engage with the Minister’s office and Department to ensure that any legislative changes support the role of pharmacists in the safe and effective use of medicines.

Media contact:   Georgia Clarke   M: 0480 099 798  E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au