fbpx

Author: Georgia Clarke

Contact Us

Contact us on 1300 369 772 Monday to Friday, business hours

Share this page

PSA launches credentialing program

2 July 2024

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has launched its full suite of credentials today, including pathways for both experienced consultant pharmacists and those looking to expand their practice.

The Medication Management Review (MMR) credential and Aged Care Onsite Pharmacist (ACOP) credential are now open for enrolment. Pharmacists with relevant experience can submit evidence of qualifications and/or practical experience as part of a Recognition of Prior Learning pathway for both the MMR and ACOP credentials.

​

PSA is currently the only education provider to offer a full suite of products, including both credentials and RPL pathways for both. To continue its support for credentialed pharmacists, PSA is offering the MMR Credential through the RPL pathway free of charge for Professional Plus members.

​

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said today’s credentialing program launch marks the next milestone in PSA’s package for credentialed pharmacists.

​

“PSA’s credentialing program is built by pharmacists, for pharmacists,” Associate Professor Fei Sim said. “We are proud to offer a full suite of education and support to our credentialed pharmacist members, from credentialing and all the way through your everyday practice.

​

“Our support doesn’t stop once you gain your credentials, we are proud to continue supporting you and your practice with regular clinical updates, continued professional development, industry-leading practice support, and the annual Consultant Pharmacist Conference.

​

“We continue to invest in credentialed and consultant pharmacists, not only through a great membership product and leading training program, but also through our advocacy for the future of comprehensive medication management.

​

“PSA’s long history of advocating for Medication Management Reviews and Aged Care Onsite Pharmacists does not stop here. We are your voice, we are your peak body.

​

“PSA is the home of credentialed and consultant pharmacists – issuing the credentials you need to continue in your practice, connecting you with your colleagues, and advocating for the future of the services you provide,” Associate Professor Sim concluded.

​

Leading consultant pharmacist Adjunct Associate Professor Debbie Rigby FPS welcomed the launch, pointing to PSA’s growing support for credentialed and consultant pharmacists.

​

“I’m excited to be joining PSA to amplify the voices of consultant pharmacists and the valuable role they play in medication safety and quality use of medicines through multidisciplinary, collaborative care,” Ms Rigby said.

​

“PSA’s credentials highlight the strong commitment of PSA towards the practice of consultant pharmacy and supporting members to deliver high quality medication management and care.”

​

PSA’s MMR and ACOP credentials are now open for enrolments. Visit https://www.psa.org.au/career-and-support/credentialed-pharmacists/ for more information. ​

​

​

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

Share this page
Share this page

Tasmania expands access to oral contraception from today

1 July 2024

 

From today, Tasmanian pharmacists can extend prescriptions for oral contraceptive pills in a move welcomed by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA).

​

Following a consultation with a pharmacist, Tasmanian patients aged 16 to 50 who have been stable on an oral contraceptive pill for two years will be able to access an additional 12 month supply of their pill. Patients must return to their GP every two years for assessment.

​

Joining Tasmanian Health Minister Guy Barnett MP and Minister for Women Jo Palmer MLC yesterday, PSA Tasmanian Branch President Mark Kirschbaum FPS welcomed the announcement.

​

“PSA has proudly advocated for expanded access to the oral contraceptive pill for some time, and we are particularly welcoming of the measure as a permanent part of our health system,” Mr Kirschbaum said.

​

“Improving safe access to contraception is essential to improving Tasmanians’ access to health care. As pharmacists, we are proud to be playing our part in making accessible when and where they are needed.

​

“PSA continues to support pharmacists across the state, with training available to all Tasmanian pharmacists participating in the program.

​

“We are encouraged to see the Tasmanian Government take action on the recommendations of the Pharmacist Scope of Practice Review, and look forward to supporting the government in their work to implement the remaining recommendations,” Mr Kirschbaum concluded.

​

Training is now available for Tasmanian pharmacists here.

 

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

Share this page
Share this page

PSA partner in PRIDE project, supporting safe and inclusive care for LGBTQIA+ Australians

28 June 2024

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is proudly partnering with the University of Queensland (UQ) to foster inclusive and empowered primary care workforces through the Promoting queer-inclusive professional identities for diversity in primary healthcare (PRIDE co-design) project.

 

Funded through the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF), the PRIDE project aims to make affirming care more accessible through a national network of empowered LGBTQIA+ practitioners and allies, building capacity of the mainstream primary care sector to address the health needs of the LGBTQIA+ community in a safe and inclusive way.

 

The project will work with a range of peak professional bodies to deliver tailored education to health professionals. As a PRIDE project partner, PSA will offer education and resources to help pharmacists improve the care they provide LGBTQIA+ patients, starting with a session at PSA’s national conference in August.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said there is still a long way to go to addressing health inequalities for LGBTQIA+ Australians.

 

“Everyone has the right to safe, affirming health care,” Associate Professor Sim said.

 

“57% of LGBTQIA+ Australians have reported discrimination due to their sexual orientation, and almost 80% of people who are trans or gender diverse had experienced discrimination due to their gender identity. Stigma and discrimination in the health care context contributes to greater health disparities experienced by LGBTQIA+ communities and can lead to delaying or avoiding healthcare entirely.

 

“As some of the most accessible health care professionals, pharmacists have a duty of care to patients to ensure that healthcare is provided in a way that is inclusive and appropriate for all people.

 

“PSA strongly believes in the potential of PRIDE co-design project to have a transformative impact on the development of inclusive and affirming models of care for LGBTQIA+ people experiencing intersectional disadvantage within our health care system.

 

“We are proud to be working with Dr Ross and her team to provide pharmacists with the resources and training needed to promote truly person-centred care,” A/Prof Sim concluded.

 

PRIDE Project leader and Chief Investigator Dr Megan Ross highlighted the importance of creating a culture of safe and supportive environments for LGBTQIA+ health practitioners, too.

 

“Building the capacity of the primary health workforce to deliver safe and affirming care has to include creating safe and inclusive environments for health providers. Too often we see trans and queer practitioners exit the workforce, we need a culture of inclusion that supports LGBTQIA+ practitioners to remain in the workforce and provide safe and affirming care to the community,” Dr Ross said.

 

“Building multi-disciplinary, connected and trusted network of safe and affirming providers addresses a current gap in primary care.

​

“A multi-disciplinary affirming provider network will facilitate access to continuous, trustable safe and affirming care across the primary care landscape for LGBTQIA+ consumers, and support LGBTQIA+ practitioners to feel safe and supported in their workplaces.”

 

Delegates attending PSA24 will have the opportunity to connect with the PRIDE Project during the session Does the pharmacy profession get a rainbow tick? presented by Professor Lisa Nissen and Dr Jean Spinks on Sunday 4 August, 2024.

​

​

​

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

Share this page
Share this page

Media statement: Vaping reform legislation

26 June 2024

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) acknowledges the passing of reforms today that aim to shut down the retail model of vape supply in Australia.

 

The legislation which has now passed the Senate defines the minimum legal requirements for prescribing as a Pharmacist Only Medicine (Schedule 3). In addition, pharmacists will be expected to adhere to PSA’s Guidelines for pharmacists providing smoking cessation support, which will be updated prior to 1 October 2024.

 

While the amendments to the legislation are not PSA’s preferred approach, we also recognise the need for strong action to address the vaping public health crisis, and this starts with ending retail supply of vapes.

 

Quotes attributable to PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim:


“PSA has consistently called for strong action to address the public health crisis that vaping has become.

 

“While this is not our preferred model, PSA remains firm in the belief that something needed to be done to prevent another generation of Australians to becoming addicted to nicotine and experiencing the health consequences of vaping.

 

“Once legislation has passed both houses, our focus will be firmly on supporting pharmacists through these changes.

 

“PSA will work with government to support the pharmacists who choose to be involved in the prescribing and dispensing of nicotine-containing therapeutic vapes. PSA will develop best-practice guidelines to describe how pharmacists prescribe products for smoking cessation products, including nicotine-containing therapeutic vapes.

 

“People will not be able to simply buy vapes on request – they must take part in a therapeutic consultation with a pharmacist who will prescribe a therapy based on clinical need.  It will be very different to how Australians are currently buying vapes.

 

“The coming months will be critical in ensuring pharmacists and the community have a clear understanding of how this model will work as a health-based approach to nicotine dependence management.”​

​

 

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

Share this page
Share this page

PSA position on proposed vaping reforms

25 June 2024

 

Based on current information, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is not supportive of proposed amendments to the Therapeutic Goods and other Legislation (Vaping Reforms) Bill 2024 which are before Parliament this week.

​

If the proposed amendment to downschedule nicotine vaping products becomes part of the final legislation, there would not be an adequate transition of nicotine-vaping being a retail product to it becoming a health-care professional prescribed tool to support smoking cessation.

​

Quotes attributable to PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim:

​

“Vaping is a public health crisis; It has unique harms which are different from tobacco smoking, and we share the government’s concerns that another generation is becoming dependent on nicotine.

​

“Doing nothing is not an option – and therefore, we continue to support the government’s intent as outlined in the original vaping reform legislation.

​

“Further, PSA continues to strongly support the government’s intent to limit the supply of vaping and removing vapes from retail settings.

​

“However, the amendment proposed undermines the role of pharmacists as health care professionals.

​

“The amendment – if it was to pass the Senate in its current form – asks pharmacists to prescribe unapproved, unregulated, untested vaping products to the public.

​

“This would not represent a health model. Pharmacist Only Medicines are pharmacist-prescribed medicines, which include a consultation with patients to establish therapeutic need. Not having patient information recorded in the prescribing of nicotine-containing vapes is inconsistent with the normal provision of health care.

​

“We cannot and do not support positioning pharmacists as retailers rather than health professionals.

​

“Pharmacists can and should be involved in harm minimisation and nicotine dependence management, but in the absence of a TGA-approved product, effective clinical governance framework and evidence-based clinical guidelines supporting their use, we cannot embed a therapeutic model of prescribing vapes.

​

“PSA’s role is to support pharmacists to practise and perform their clinical tasks professionally and ethically. PSA will, in good faith, continue to have constructive discussions with stakeholders on this important public health issue.

​

“PSA maintains support for the original intent of the Bill, to limit the supply of therapeutic vapes through prescription only and taking them out of the hands of children.”

​

​

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

Share this page
Share this page

PSA Faye McMillan Conference Grant recipients announced

24 June 2024

 

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is proud to announce the recipients of the second annual PSA Faye McMillan Conference Grant.

​

This grant provides a unique opportunity for recipients to attend the PSA National Conference in Sydney from 2-4 August, supporting the continued professional development of First Nations pharmacists.

 

Inspired and supported by Professor McMillan herself, the PSA Faye McMillan Conference Grant is awarded each year to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander pharmacists to attend Australia’s leading pharmacist education conference hosted by PSA.

 

Thanks to the generosity of this year’s grant sponsors Care Pharmaceuticals and Hydralyte, and AstraZeneca, PSA is proudly supporting three pharmacists to attend PSA24.

​

The recipients of the PSA Faye McMillan Conference Grant for 2024 are:

  • Timothy Hockam
  • Elizabeth Dening
  • Kirralee Natty

 

Quotes attributable to Professor Faye McMillan AM FPS:

​

“Congratulations to all the recipients. Belonging is such a critical aspect of being part of a profession, and the relationship with PSA provides a sense of belonging. I hope all the recipients enjoy every aspect of PSA24, and I look forward to seeing them there.”

​

Quotes attributable to PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS:

 

“As we celebrate the recipients of the PSA Faye McMillan Conference Grant, PSA reaffirms our commitment to nurturing diversity and inclusion within the pharmacy profession.

 

“Supporting First Nations pharmacists is not just about equity; it’s about recognising and harnessing the unique perspectives and contributions they bring to the healthcare landscape.

​

“Congratulations to Timothy, Elizabeth and Kirralee, we are excited to have you as part of this year’s conference.”

​

Quotes attributable to Marketing Manager of Care Pharmaceuticals and Hydralyte Joan Isaac:

​

“We are proud sponsors of the PSA Faye McMillan Grant, recognising the remarkable achievements of Indigenous pharmacists like Professor Faye McMillan in advancing healthcare equity. By supporting this initiative, Care Pharmaceuticals and Hydralyte affirm our dedication to fostering inclusivity and diversity within the pharmacy profession, ensuring culturally sensitive care for all.

 

“As leading providers of innovative healthcare solutions for Australian families, Care Pharmaceuticals and Hydralyte are honoured to sponsor the PSA Faye McMillan Grant. This sponsorship reflects our commitment to empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander pharmacists to attend the PSA National Conference, contributing to discussions on improving Indigenous healthcare and building a more representative pharmacy workforce for the benefit of all Australians.”

​

Quotes attributable to Country President of AstraZeneca Australia and New Zealand Ben McDonald:

​

“Pharmacists are critical to providing front line health care to communities across Australia. Increasing the representation of pharmacists who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander is crucial in supporting and delivering culturally appropriate health care.

​

“AstraZeneca is proud to support the ongoing professional development of First Nations pharmacists by partnering with the PSA’s Faye McMillan Conference Grant.”

 

PSA24 is a premier platform for pharmacists to exchange knowledge, foster collaborations, and explore innovations shaping the future of healthcare. With the support of the PSA Faye McMillan Conference Grant, these exceptional pharmacists will have the opportunity to engage with peers, expand their skill sets, and contribute to advancing pharmacy practice in Australia.

​

About Professor Faye McMillan AM

​

Professor Faye McMillan AM is a Wiradjuri yinaa (woman) originally from Trangie, NSW. She is a dedicated community pharmacist and is recognised as the first Indigenous Australian to hold a western degree in pharmacy in this country.

​

 

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

​

Share this page
Share this page

PSA, PDL partner to launch conference volunteer award

21 June 2024

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) and Pharmaceutical Defence Limited (PDL) have joined forces to deliver National Conference Volunteer Program, giving pharmacy students from universities around the country the chance to connect with their peers and experience one of Australia’s leading pharmacy conferences.

 

As part of the program one outstanding student volunteer will receive the PDL PSA Conference Volunteer of the Year award, and a $500 contribution toward further education.

 

National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS launched PSA’s partnership with PDL, welcoming the opportunity to thank and celebrate PSA24’s student volunteers.

 

“Our student volunteers make a huge difference to our conferences,” A/Prof Sim said.

 

“We are proud to not only provide students with the opportunity to experience the conference, but also to offer a tailored volunteer program including an interactive education session with PDL as part of their experience.

 

“We are thrilled to also be able to join PDL to recognise the hard work and dedication of PSA24’s student volunteers. On behalf of PSA I express our gratitude to PDL for their ongoing support of the pharmacy profession, including the future pharmacists who volunteer with us at PSA24.

 

PDL Chair Paul Naismith MPS looks forward to PSA24 and supporting the student volunteers.

 

“We are delighted to partner with PSA for their national conference volunteer program. Student volunteers play a key role in running pharmacy conferences, and we look forward to awarding an outstanding volunteer at PSA24.

 

“PDL is pleased to support initiatives that help students get involved in the profession.”

 

Attendees will be able to nominate student volunteers throughout the conference, with the award presented at Sunday’s closing plenary.

 

​

​

 

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

Share this page
Share this page

NSW pharmacists to treat skin conditions in trial expansion

17 June 2024

 

 

Pharmacists in New South Wales will soon be able to supply treatment for four skin conditions under the next phase of the NSW Pharmacy Trial.

​

Participating NSW pharmacists who undertake additional training will be able to treat impetigo, shingles, atopic dermatitis, and mild plaque psoriasis under the trial.

​

Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) New South Wales President Luke Kelly FPS welcomed the next phase of the NSW Pharmacy Trial, and reaffirmed PSA’s support for pharmacists participating in the program.

​

“Under the next phase of the New South Wales Pharmacy Trial community pharmacists will be trained to treat four skin conditions, making treatment for conditions including impetigo, shingles, eczema, and mild plaque psoriasis more accessible around our state,” Mr Kelly said.

​

“Pharmacists are key to strengthening the healthcare system, and through the NSW Pharmacy Trial, patients have been able to access safe, quality treatment when and where they need it.

​

“For skin conditions like shingles, acute eczema, mild plaque psoriasis and impetigo, providing timely, accessible treatment is critical to relieving discomfort and pain, and allow us to mitigate further complications.

​

“New South Wales pharmacists have already supported thousands of patients with a range of health concerns, including uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections and extending the supply of the oral contraceptive pill. With the inclusion of skin conditions, pharmacists can continue to provide nation-leading, accessible care to patients across the state.

​

Mr Kelly also welcomed increased remuneration for pharmacists providing consultations skin conditions, better reflecting clinical expertise and administration costs.

​

“Increased support for pharmacists means we can ensure services remain available to patients across our state, at no cost.

“We look forward to continuing to work closely with Minister Park, the New South Wales Government and other stakeholders to ensure we are best responding to the health needs of our communities,” Mr Kelly said.

​

New South Wales pharmacists can now enrol in and complete prerequisite training here.

​

​

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

​

Share this page
Share this page

Queensland Budget sets pharmacists up for Scope of Practice Pilot

11 June 2024

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes education funding for pharmacists in the Miles Government’s 2024-25 Queensland State Budget.

 

Today’s state budget commits $6 million to enable pharmacists to complete additional training to support the state-wide rollout of the Queensland Community Pharmacy Scope of Practice Pilot. This includes completion of prescribing training and clinical practice training, and will allow participating pharmacists to treat and prescribe medicines for common health conditions and wellbeing services, making healthcare more accessible for Queenslanders.

 

PSA also welcomes the government’s $72.9 million investment in free vaccinations for Queenslanders, including $40 million to fund influenza vaccines for all Queenslanders aged over 6 months, $26 million to fund meningococcal B vaccines for eligible infants, children, and adolescents, and $6.9 million to fund RSV vaccines.

 

PSA Queensland President Mr Shane MacDonald said the budget gives pharmacists the support they need to prepare for Australia’s most progressive scope of practice pilot.

 

“Investment in pharmacists ensures that our workforce is ready to offer expanded health services to Queenslanders,” Mr MacDonald said.

 

“Financial support to help meet training costs means more pharmacists participating in the pilot, and more services in more communities.

 

“We thank the Miles Government for their continued support and collaboration with the profession to bring the Scope of Practice Pilot to Queenslanders, better utilising the skills and accessibility of pharmacists to improve access to healthcare across the state.

 

“PSA is pleased to again welcome the continuation of free influenza vaccines for Queenslanders in 2025, easing the cost burden of essential vaccines on Queensland families,” Mr MacDonald continued.

 

“Knowing that every patient will have access to a vaccination at no cost, pharmacists can proactively plan now for the 2025 flu season.”

​

​

 

​

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

Share this page
Share this page

Pharmacists named in King’s Birthday Honours

11 June 2024

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has recognised and congratulated the PSA members and pharmacists named on the 2024 King’s Birthday Honours List.

PSA Life Member Robert Dean MPS of Red Cliffs in Victoria was recognised for his service to the community of Red Cliffs, including fifty years as a community pharmacist.

Farag Gobran MPS of Drummoyne in New South Wales was recognised for his service to youth, to aged welfare, and to the Egyptian community, as well as his service as a community pharmacist since 1970.

PSA also acknowledges Former Department of Health and Aged Care Deputy Secretary, Health Products Regulation Group Professor John Skerritt, recognised as a Member of the Order of Australia in the General Division.

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS congratulated the recipients.

“We know that pharmacists make enormous contributions to our communities, through the care we provide but also as pillars of community life,” Associate Professor Sim said.

“Robert and Farag are two pharmacists who’ve supported their communities not only through their careers as pharmacists, but also through lifetimes of service to their communities.

“On behalf of PSA and Australian pharmacists, we congratulate Mr Dean, Mr Gobran and Professor Skerritt on their achievements and continued commitment to the health of our communities.”

 

 

 

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

Share this page

In the spirit of reconciliation, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today. We recognise that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples were our first pharmacists.

CONTACT US | TERMS OF USE | PRIVACY

© 2025 Pharmaceutical Society of Australia Ltd. All rights reserved.