New training program to equip pharmacists with essential palliative care skills

13 May 2025

 

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has launched a new national training program to equip pharmacists with the knowledge, skills, and compassion needed to support people receiving palliative and end-of-life care wherever they are.

 

The ASPIRE Palliative Care Foundation Training Program for Pharmacists is a free, CPD-accredited course for pharmacists working in all areas of practice, supported by Palliative Care Australia and developed with support from the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care under the National Palliative Care Grants Program.

 

The eight-module program provides pharmacists with foundational training to help them better support patients, families, and carers through the safe and quality use of medicines in palliative care. The course is not designed to prepare pharmacists to specialise in palliative care but to strengthen the everyday capacity of pharmacists across the country.

 

The program’s official launch held at Queensland’s Parliament House today and marked National Palliative Care Week (11–17 May 2025) alongside International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) President Paul Sinclair AM FPS.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said the program recognises the growing and evolving role of pharmacists in caring for people at the end of life.

 

“Every day pharmacists support patients living with life-limiting illness but our impact can be even broader, with opportunities for us to have a significant positive impact on quality of life, not only for people with palliative care needs, but also for the people who care for them,” Associate Professor Sim said.

 

“Pharmacists are often the first point of contact for patients and carers managing end-of-life care at home.

 

“From knowledge about palliative care medicines and symptom management to developing grief and bereavement support skills, this training gives us the confidence to provide safe, compassionate, and practical support when it’s needed most.

 

“This isn’t about becoming a palliative care specialist, it’s about building everyday skills in our existing pharmacist workforce that can make a real difference in the quality of care people receive at the end of their life.

 

“With more Australians choosing to spend their final days at home, I encourage all pharmacists – whatever your area of practice – to take this opportunity to grow your practice so that we can support our palliative patients with care and confidence,” Associate Professor Sim said.

 

Camilla Rowland, CEO of Palliative Care Australia, said a foundational understanding of palliative and end-of-life care across the health workforce is essential to meeting community needs.

 

“Supporting people to live, and die, well means building palliative care capability across the entire health system. That includes pharmacists, often among the first healthcare professional patients and carers turn to for advice.

 

“This training program is a practical guide to supporting palliative care patients and carers. On behalf of Palliative Care Australia I encourage pharmacists to take up the opportunity to learn more about palliative care and the role you can play in quality end of life care.”

 

The training is available now, free of charge, to all registered pharmacists, intern pharmacists and pharmacy students across Australia. Visit the ASPIRE Palliative Care Foundation Training Program for more information.

 

 

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

PSA congratulates Mark Butler on return as Health Minister

13 May 2025

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) congratulates the Hon. Mark Butler MP on his reappointment as Minister for Health and Ageing and appointment as Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in the 48th Parliament.

 

PSA also congratulates the Sam Rae MP on his appointment as Minister for Aged Care and Seniors, the Hon. Emma McBride MP on her reappointment as Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention and Assistant Minister for Rural and Regional Health, and Rebecca White as Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, Assistant Minister for Indigenous Health and Assistant Minister for Women. Further, PSA welcomes the announcement of Dan Repacholi MP as Special Envoy for Men’s Health.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS welcomed the government’s team into the health portfolio.

 

“As the peak representative organisation of pharmacists in all practice settings across Australia, PSA looks forward to continuing to work collaboratively with Minister Butler and the Albanese Government to improve health care for all Australians.

 

“In the last term, PSA entered into the Strategic Agreement on Pharmacist Professional Practice with the Government, supporting our continued custodianship of pharmacist standards, codes and guidelines and ensuring they remain fit-for-purpose.

 

“We have also commenced work on a new pharmacy programs agreement, with a health sector roundtable held in April and consultation with the profession ongoing.

 

“These are positive steps forward, but the work continues to ensure our profession has the tools and support needed to improve patients’ access to healthcare and quality use of medicines and medicine safety.

 

“The next parliamentary term is critical to addressing the key challenges our country is facing with an ageing population and greater demands on our health system than ever before. PSA is absolutely committed to working with Minister Butler and other government stakeholders to support the pharmacy profession to play our role in providing timely, accessible care to our communities.”

 

Associate Professor Sim also acknowledged and thanked the Hon. Ged Kearney MP and the Hon Annika Wells MP for their service to the health and aged care portfolios.

 

“I thank Assistant Minister Kearney and Minister Wells for their engagement over the previous term and wish them well in their new roles.

 

“On behalf of PSA and Australia’s 40,000 pharmacists, I sincerely thank Minister Butler and the entire Ministerial team for their continued passion and commitment to more accessible, better health care for all Australians.”

 

 

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

PSA welcomes extension to MMR and ACOP deadline

12 May 2025

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has welcomed today’s announcement by the Pharmacy Programs Administrator (PPA) extending transition arrangements for pharmacists delivering Medication Management Review (MMR) and Aged Care On-site Pharmacist (ACOP) services.

 

The extension means pharmacists can continue delivering services using their existing Medication Review Numbers (MRNs) while they transition to new credentialing requirements. The MMR transition is extended to 31 December 2025, and the ACOP transition extended to 30 June 2026.

 

PSA Consultant Pharmacist Adviser Debbie Rigby FPS also welcomed the extension of transition arrangements.

 

“PSA continues to support consultant pharmacists through the transition to new credentials, we’ve heard your concerns and have advocated for more time particularly in ACOP roles.

 

“I’m pleased there has been a time extension to complete the ACOP credential whilst continuing to implement this valuable service in aged care facilities,” Ms Rigby concluded.

 

Chair of PSA’s Consultant Pharmacists Community of Specialty Interest (CSI) Deborah Hawthorne FPS CredPharm (MMR) said the extension was a result of PSA’s ongoing advocacy for consultant pharmacists.

 

“This decision provides much-needed certainty for consultant pharmacists, ensuring they can continue delivering critical patient care while completing their credentialing,” Ms Hawthorne said.

 

“We encourage all pharmacists to submit their evidence for recognition of prior learning (RPL) as soon as possible. We expect this will be the final extension, so it’s your last real opportunity to make the most of the RPL pathway.

 

“The Consultant Pharmacist CSI is here to support members in any way we can – I invite those starting or progressing through their credentialing to connect with the CSI and our amazing community of pharmacists.

 

PSA remains committed to supporting pharmacists through the transition process and ensuring they are well-equipped to meet the evolving needs of patients and aged care residents,” Ms Hawthorne said.

 

PSA Medication Management Review Credential and Aged Care On-site Credential are open for enrolment now, both with RPL pathways available.

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

Championing access to core palliative care medicines for people receiving end-of-life care

8 May 2025

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is continuing its leadership in quality use of medicines as part of a new consortium led by Palliative Care Australia, set to deliver targeted education to prescribers, pharmacists and aged care nurses on critical palliative medicines.

 

Supported by the Australian Government’s Quality Use of Diagnostics, Therapeutics and Pathology (QUDTP) Program, the Quality Use of Community Palliative Care Medicines Project combines the expertise of Palliative Care Australia, PSA, Metro South Hospital and Health Service, and Ageing Australia to improve medicine safety and the safer use of the first nationally agreed National Core Community Palliative Care Medicines List.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said the consortium builds on PSA’s continued leadership in quality of use of medicines, ensuring that pharmacists are equipped to support and meet the complex needs of palliative care patients.

 

“Our role in supporting appropriate and safe use of medicines is even more important for palliative patients, where timely access to core medicines, particularly those that provide urgent symptom relief, can significantly impact patient comfort and quality of life.

 

“With 90 per cent of Australians wanting to be cared for at home, this project will further develop important education and resources for pharmacists supporting palliative patients and carers with the medicines they need to be manage pain and symptoms” Associate Professor Sim concluded.

 

Camilla Rowland, CEO of Palliative Care Australia, added:​

 

“This project will support pharmacists, GPs, nurse practitioners, and aged care nurses with vital education on critical palliative care medicines.

 

“Timely access to these medicines is essential to reduce suffering, avoid unnecessary hospital transfers and respect the wishes of many Australians who would prefer to die at home or in a community setting.”

 

 

Resources are currently in development and will be available to all pharmacists, free of charge.

 

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

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New leadership for PSA Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Pharmacy Practice CSI

7 May 2025

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is proud to announce the appointment of a new leadership group for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Pharmacy Practice (ATSIPP) Community of Specialty Interest (CSI), chaired by respected pharmacist and proud Nywaigi Mamu woman, Chastina Heck MPS.

 

The ATSIPP CSI plays a vital role in championing culturally safe pharmacy practices, supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander pharmacists, and improving health outcomes across communities. With the appointment of this new leadership group, PSA reaffirms its commitment to equity, representation, and empowering Indigenous voices within the profession. PSA recognises culturally safe care and equity of health care access as critical drivers to improving health outcomes.

 

PSA values its ongoing collaborative relationship with NACCHO and is committed to the principles of community control and self-determination of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. In co-design with NACCHO, PSA has delivered key initiatives including the “Integrating pharmacists into Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services” (IPAC) trial and development of the Deadly Pharmacists Foundation Training Course to equip pharmacists with the skills needed to work within Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services.

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The 2025 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Pharmacy Practice CSI Leadership Group includes:

• Chastina Heck MPS (Chair)
• Atinuke (Tinu) Abraham MPS
• Jaimee Anderson MPS
• Carli Berrill MPS
• Jenny Cooper MPS
• Hannah Mann (NACCHO)
• Dr Jared Miles
• Yvette McGrath MPS
• Alice Nugent MPS
• Mike Stephens MPS
• Cheyne Sullivan
• Kelly Tanner
• Shi-Anne Wallace (inaugural NAPSA Indigenous Chair)

• Lisa Wark MPS

• Lucky Zeniou MPS

This group brings together expertise from across practice settings and communities, united by a shared vision to elevate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health outcomes through inclusive, pharmacist-led care.

 

“I am excited to bring together this leadership group who bring with them a vast knowledge of real-world experience to guide the path ahead,” Ms Heck said.

 

“As pharmacists continue to create real change in the way healthcare is delivered for our First Nations people and communities.”

 

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Pharmacy Practice CSI continues to collaborate with PSA’s broader network, delivering initiatives such as professional development opportunities, cultural safety guidance, and advocacy for expanded roles for pharmacists within Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) and beyond.

 

PSA encourages members to connect with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Pharmacy Practice CSI through its Facebook group and upcoming events.

 

For more information about the CSI or to get involved, visit:
www.psa.org.au/communities-of-specialty-interest  

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

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Pharmacists welcome re-elected Albanese Labor Government

5 May 2025

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) congratulates Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Australian Labor Party on their re-election over the weekend and looks forward to working further toward our shared goal of a stronger, more accessible health system for all Australians.

 

In building on the work of the last term of Parliament, PSA is committed to working with the government to advance professional pharmacist practice. This includes PSA’s continued role representing the pharmacy profession on the Primary Care and Workforce Reviews Taskforce, the shared work plan outlined in the Strategic Agreement for Pharmacist Professional Practice and formulating an agreement on pharmacy programs outside of the Eighth Community Pharmacy Agreement.

 

PSA particularly looks forward to working with the government to operationalise its commitment to a nation-wide community pharmacy trial boosting access to treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) and hormonal contraception.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said the new parliamentary term is an opportunity for a refreshed focus on timely, accessible and affordable healthcare by utilising all health professionals to their full scope.

 

“On behalf of all pharmacists, I extend my sincere congratulations to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Australian Labor Party on their re-election,” Associate Professor Sim said.

 

“As the government-recognised peak body for pharmacists in Australia, PSA remains committed to working with the federal government to ensure pharmacists are empowered and supported to practise to their full scope across the health system.

 

“Over the next parliamentary term, Australia will have to address the substantial workforce, patient health need and funding challenges facing our health system.

 

“We look forward to being a constructive and pragmatic partner of government in its response to the Unleashing the Potential of our Health Workforce Review, which was handed down last November.

 

“PSA is committed to supporting the detailed and complex work required to implement its recommendations for a safer, more productive and sustainable health system.

 

“With the right support, pharmacists can do even more to improve medicine safety and further expand access to care. I look forward realising this vision over the next three years alongside the re-elected Albanese Government,” Associate Professor Sim concluded.

PSA also credits the Minister for Health and Aged Care the Hon. Mark Butler MP for his leadership and continued engagement with PSA on a range of issues in the health portfolio. We look forward to continuing to work closely with the Minister in the coming term.

 

Neil Petrie named inaugural PSA AMH Aged Care Pharmacist of the Year

2 May 2025

 

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is proud to announce Neil Petrie MPS CredPharm (MMR, ACOP) as the inaugural recipient of the PSA AMH Aged Care Pharmacist of the Year Award presented at the Consultant Pharmacists Conference (CPC25) in Adelaide today.

 

Sponsored by the Australian Medicines Handbook (AMH), an evidence-based, independent publisher of key national medicines references including the AMH Aged Care Companion, the Aged Care Pharmacist of the Year award recognises excellence, leadership, and innovation in aged care pharmacy.

 

Presenting the inaugural award PSA recognises the nation-wide impact of Melbourne pharmacist Neil Petrie, who has dedicated more than 30 years to patients through his specialisation in medication management and aged care.

 

As one of the first pharmacists accredited to conduct medication reviews in 1998, Neil has delivered thousands of comprehensive medication reviews in aged care facilities across metropolitan and rural Victoria, resolving medication problems, improving facility-wide medicine practices, and significantly improving the quality of life for his patients.

 

Mr Petrie’s influence extends beyond clinical practice, having played a key role in updating national guidelines for medication reviews, contributing to research and advisory panels, and pioneering on-site pharmacist roles in aged care facilities. His commitment to collaborative care models has strengthened connections between pharmacists, GPs, and aged care staff to better support residents’ health and safety.

 

In 2019, he contributed to revising guidelines for comprehensive medication reviews and quality use of medicines. Most recently, he became one of the first aged care on-site pharmacists (ACOP) at Donwood Community Care in Victoria, reinforcing his leadership in integrating pharmacists into aged care teams.

 

Through his contributions to advisory panels, research initiatives, and professional organisations, Neil champions the pharmacy profession, ensuring that pharmacists’ expertise is fully utilised to support older Australians.

 

For his lifelong dedication, innovative contributions, and unwavering commitment to aged care pharmacy, Neil is a highly deserving candidate for the inaugural PSA AMH Aged Care Pharmacist Award 2025. His generous mentorship and his profound impact on the profession and the lives of aged care residents makes him a standout nominee for this prestigious recognition.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said Mr Petrie was a most deserving recipient of the inaugural award.

 

“PSA is proud to honour Neil Petrie as the inaugural PSA AMH Aged Care Pharmacist of the Year, recognising a career dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of older Australians, leading the embedding of pharmacists in aged care,” Associate Professor Sim said.

 

“Recognising pharmacists like Neil reinforces the vital contribution our profession makes to the care of older Australians and inspires continued excellence in aged care pharmacy practice.”

 

AMH Chief Executive Officer David Dart congratulated Mr Petrie on his inspiring representation of the pharmacy profession.

 

“AMH is pleased to be associated with and a sponsor of this inaugural award in recognising outstanding contribution by a pharmacist to the practice of Aged Care Pharmacy. We congratulate the recipient and wish them continued success.”

 

Chair of PSA’s Consultant Pharmacist Community of Specialty Interest (CSI) Deborah Hawthorne FPS CredPharm (MMR) also paid tribute to Mr Petrie’s leadership.

 

“Anyone who has met Neil knows his passion for improving the care we provide older Australians,” Ms Hawthorne said.

 

“His work not only improves individual patient outcomes but has also contributes to the systemic improvements in medicine safety and quality use of medicines in residential aged care.

 

“We are proud to celebrate Neil’s achievements, which highlight the critical role consultant pharmacists play in driving better health outcomes and quality of life for older Australians.”

 

PSA congratulates Neil Petrie on this significant achievement and thanks the Australian Medicines Handbook for supporting the inaugural award, which will continue to spotlight excellence in aged care pharmacy practice in years to come.

 

 

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

Angus Thompson named PSA MIMS Credentialed Pharmacist of the Year

2 May 2025

 

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is proud to announce Angus Thompson MPS as the 2025 PSA MIMS Credentialed Pharmacist of the Year.

 

Presented today at the Consultant Pharmacist Conference (CPC25) in Adelaide, Mr Thompson is recognised for his outstanding contribution to consultant pharmacy, his tireless advocacy for medication review services, and his commitment to supporting the next generation of credentialed pharmacists.

 

A consultant pharmacist with more than a decade of experience, Angus has completed over 2,000 medication reviews since becoming credentialed in 2013. He has worked tirelessly to improve medicines safety for vulnerable populations, particularly for people living with disabilities. Alongside his clinical work, Angus is a Clinical Editor and Pharmacist Consultant for Primary Health Tasmania, a Senior Lecturer in Prescribing Principles for the National Prescribing Curriculum (NPC) Program at the University of Tasmania, and a Subject Matter Expert for the Australian Pharmacy Council.

 

Mr Thompson is widely recognised as a leading advocate for the sustainability and growth of Home Medicines Reviews (HMRs), launching a national petition in 2023 that garnered more than 2,750 signatures, and leading efforts to raise consumer awareness and political support for the HMR program.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said: “Angus Thompson embodies the vital role of credentialed pharmacists in improving patient outcomes, advancing professional practice, and shaping the future of our profession.”

 

“Through his clinical excellence, advocacy, and mentorship, Angus has made an extraordinary contribution not only to the health of Tasmanians but to consultant pharmacy nationally. PSA is proud to recognise his dedication and impact with this prestigious award.”

 

Robert Best, CEO of MIMS Australia and New Zealand, added: “MIMS is delighted to continue to sponsor the PSA Credentialed Pharmacist of the Year award, acknowledging the invaluable contributions of consultant pharmacists towards medication safety and patient care.”

 

“Angus’ advocacy has played a pivotal role in increasing awareness and support for Home Medication Reviews. It is with immense pleasure that we recognise Angus’ dedication towards better medication management and is a well deserving recipient of this award.”

 

Chair of PSA’s Community of Specialty Interest for Consultant Pharmacists Deborah Hawthorne FPS CredPharm (MMR) said: “Angus is a nationally recognised voice of consultant pharmacy, championing the value of medication reviews and the important role we play in improving the health and quality of life of our patients.”

 

“His leadership, generosity in supporting colleagues, and fearless advocacy continues to strengthen our profession. Angus is a most deserving recipient of the 2025 Credentialed Pharmacist of the Year award.”

 

PSA congratulates Angus Thompson on this well-deserved recognition and thanks MIMS Australia for their continued support of the Credentialed Pharmacist of the Year award.

 

 

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

JOINT MEDIA RELEASE: Pharmacists and GPs united on the value of multidisciplinary care

1 May 2025

 

The Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) and Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) have joined forces to call on parties to fund general practice-based pharmacists to work with specialist GPs to support high-quality prescribing.

 

Funding for practices to add more non-dispensing pharmacists, nurses, psychologists, and other health professionals to practice teams is part of the RACGP’s comprehensive plan for accessible and affordable care for all Australia.

 

The PSA is also advocating for doubled funding to support the employment of general practice-based pharmacists in as part of its 2025 federal election platform.

 

Multidisciplinary care already happens in general practice teams, but it needs secure funding and strong relationships with GPs to leverage the full benefits.

 

Non-dispensing pharmacists in general practice answer queries, monitor prescribing, and conduct medicine reviews. They help patients understand their medicines and any changes and ensure safe and effective medicine use.

 

Economic analysis has shown adding non-dispensing pharmacists to general practice teams could deliver around $545 million in net savings to the health system over four years through fewer hospital admissions and reduced medicine use.

 

Trials of general practice-based pharmacists have reported excellent feedback from both patients and GPs.

RACGP President Dr Michael Wright said boosting funding to add pharmacists and other health professionals to join general practice teams would deliver immediate and long-term benefits.

 

“People with chronic illness get the best care when their specialist GP works with pharmacists and other health professionals in multidisciplinary care teams,” he said.

 

“Pharmacists, GPs and non-GP specialists, nurses, and other allied health professionals like dietitians and psychologists all apply different skills to benefit our patients. Most practices provide multidisciplinary care, and most GPs want to grow their teams to better serve our patients.

 

“For patients, funding will mean faster and easier access to care from an allied health professional who’s working closely with their specialist GP.”

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim said practice-based pharmacists would improve patients’ access to high-quality care.

 

“Australia is facing an avalanche of chronic health conditions, requiring more significant, advanced, and complex care from all healthcare professionals,” she said.

 

“We must support our healthcare system to meet this demand by investing in multidisciplinary care now, supporting GPs to grow their teams and foster greater pharmacist-GP collaboration to achieve true patient-centred care.

 

“Pharmacists make an invaluable contribution to and within the general practice team. This investment would directly benefit our health system, reduce costs for patients, and most importantly, improve prescribing safety and quality care.”

 

Dr Wright said adding pharmacists to practice teams will improve patient education and safety.

 

“Practice-based pharmacists can talk to patients about how their medication works and educate them about safe use. Where a medication is no longer necessary, a pharmacist can identify opportunities to deprescribe,” he said.

 

“That support is especially valuable for older patients, who too often are admitted to hospital due to adverse drug events, and benefit from clear communication and an optimal medicine regimen as they transition into aged care.

 

“Funding practices to grow their teams with nurses and allied health professionals like pharmacists will immediately improve access to care for Australians and reduce costs to them and the health system. Long-term, it’ll improve care for patients with chronic illnesses, improve health and wellbeing, and mean fewer people end up in hospital.”

 

RACGP media contact:   P: 03 8699 0992    E: media@racgp.org.au

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