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Author: Georgia Clarke

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Health Minister to address PSA national conference

6 June 2024

 

Minister for Health and Aged Care, the Hon. Mark Butler MP will again join pharmacists at the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia’s National Conference PSA24, providing the ministerial address on behalf of the Albanese Government.

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In what is a critical time for the pharmacy profession, the presence of Minister Butler underscores the important role of pharmacists in meeting the changing healthcare needs of Australians.

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PSA24’s ‘Pathways to Progress’ will give pharmacists the opportunity to engage with industry leaders, policymakers, and colleagues from all corners of the country. With more than 40 education sessions and opportunities to hear from both the government and opposition, PSA24 is set to be the biggest national conference yet.

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PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said that the Minister’s address at the conference will provide further insights into PSA’s Strategic Agreement on Pharmacist Professional Practice announced earlier this week.

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“At this critical juncture for the pharmacy profession, the Minister’s presence recognises the irreplaceable role pharmacists play in quality and safe use of medicines, and in contributing to improved Australians’ access to healthcare,” Associate Professor Sim said.

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“The signing of the 8th Community Pharmacy Agreement and the PSA Strategic Agreement this week are a clear indication of the federal government’s belief in pharmacists and our fundamental role in Australia’s health system.

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“This is an important opportunity for our profession to hear directly from the Minister about the government’s policy agenda and priorities for the next 12 months and beyond. We are thrilled to again welcome the Minister to PSA24 in Sydney this August.

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“I call on all pharmacists and pharmacy students to attend the PSA24 Conference in Sydney as we continue our advocacy to expand pharmacists’ roles, recognition and remuneration.

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The Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention and Assistant Minister Rural and Regional Health, the Hon. Emma McBride MP, and Shadow Minister for Health and Aged Care, Senator the Hon Anne Ruston are also set to appear at PSA24.

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PSA24 will be held at the new bigger venue of the International Convention and Exhibition Centre from Friday 2 August to Sunday 4 August 2024.

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Registration for the PSA national conference is now open. For more information and to secure your spot, visit www.psa24.com.au

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PSA welcomes 8th Community Pharmacy Agreement, and enters into Strategic Agreement on Pharmacist Professional Practice

3 June 2024

 

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the announcement today that the Australian Government and Pharmacy Guild of Australia has finalised the 8th Community Pharmacy Agreement. PSA welcomes the certainty the 8CPA brings to the community pharmacy sector, and confidence it brings to the viability of Australia’s community pharmacies.

 

For the last 12 months, the community pharmacy sector has had uncertainty. The 8CPA delivers funding boost of $3billion for community pharmacy activities, certainty of funding for dose administration aids, staged supply, MedsChecks and the Regional Pharmacy Maintenance Allowance.

 

PSA has also announced the signing of the Strategic Agreement on Pharmacist Professional Practice was signed in Canberra today by National President A/Prof Fei Sim and the Minister for Health and Aged Care the Hon. Mark Butler.

 

The key Strategic Agreement with the Australian Government contains a program of work to deliver contemporary fundamental standards and guidelines that define pharmacy practice across all areas of practice.

 

Together, both agreements secure the most significant federal government commitment to supporting professional pharmacy practice in history, lifting the bar in quality of care and breadth of services delivered by pharmacists across the health system.

 

Discussions will continue for programs not contained in the 8CPA, including those delivered by pharmacists in all other areas of practice. PSA looks forward to leading further engagement with government in relation to these programs during the remainder of 2024.

 

Quotes attributable to PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim:

 

“On behalf of our members, PSA welcomes the signing of the 8th Community Pharmacy Agreement for the certainty it provides the sector. The funding committed by the Albanese government in the 8CPA is positive for community pharmacies and will result in more accessible care for patients through a strong, thriving and viable community pharmacy network.

 

“In particular, I thank Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler for his commitment, alongside PSA, to continue advancing the profession through a key Strategic Agreement on pharmacy practice.

 

“PSA’s intent through its negotiations with government is to ensure pharmacists are supported to do what they do best – support the health and wellbeing of Australians through providing access to health care and making the use of medicines safer.

 

“PSA’s Strategic Agreement on Pharmacist Professional Practice acknowledges that the role of pharmacists is changing and evolving, and with that comes the need to further develop the fundamental guidelines that underpin all elements and areas of pharmacy practice. This will ensure pharmacists can continue to deliver high standards and quality services which Australians rely on in a sustainable manner.

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“While today is a milestone in negotiations regarding community pharmacy-delivered programs and services with government, there is more to be done.

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“We are focused in continuing our work with Minister Butler and the Department of Health and Aged Care which will define the design, implementation and evaluation of pharmacist-led programs which are not in the 8CPA.

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“We continue our commitment on supporting the pharmacy workforce through practice support and education which has always been one of the core responsibilities of the PSA.”

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Quotes attributable to PSA Lead Negotiator Dr Shane Jackson:

 

“The 8PCA is a positive outcome for the profession and the Australian community. It will help improve access to care in a sustainable manner.

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“PSA’s strategic agreement focuses on supporting pharmacists, and helping pharmacists demonstrate the value of what we do. It provides a pathway to create data and evidence to demonstrate the need for long-term, continued funding for programs we know are critical to the Quality Use of Medicines.

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“Now that the 8CPA and Strategic Agreement on Pharmacist Professional Practice have been announced, we turn our focus to providing a structure for optimisation of programs no longer contained in the 8CPA, as well as new programs that may be delivered by pharmacists.”

 

 

A copy of the PSA Strategic Agreement on Pharmacist Professional Practice is available on the Department of Health website.

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

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WA pharmacists to expand oral contraceptive access

28 May 2024

 

Western Australian pharmacists are set to be able to resupply oral contraceptives to women across the state as part of a new pilot program.

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The Pharmacist Resupply of Oral Contraceptive Pills Pilot enables pharmacists to supply up to 12 months of a combination or progestogen-only contraceptive pill to women* between 18 and 39 years of age who have a stable history of using the pill for two years. Patients aged between 16 and 17 years can access up to four months’ supply as an extension to their original prescription.

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Pharmacists are required to undergo additional training before commencing services.

 

Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) WA President Kristian Ray welcomed the Pilot announcement.

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“WA has now joined the majority of Australian states and territories giving women greater autonomy and choice when it comes to accessing oral contraceptives,” Mr Ray said.

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“It shows how pharmacists working together with GPs and other healthcare professionals can improve the care we provide, relieving strain on our healthcare systems in a safe and efficient way.

 

“This is a step forward, ensuring that reproductive care is accessible and safe.

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“We applaud the Cook Government’s initiation of this pilot, recognising not only pharmacist’s role as medicine safety experts, but also underscoring the importance of a collaborative, patient-centred approach to healthcare delivery.”

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With compulsory training now available, Mr Ray encouraged pharmacists across the state to take up the opportunity.

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“The oral contraceptive pilot is a new opportunity for pharmacists to develop new skills, underpinned by quality education and training and best-practice care.

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“The oral contraceptive pilot isn’t just about expanding our scope of practice, it’s about ensuring that every individual receives the care and support they need to make informed decisions about their reproductive health,” Mr Ray concluded.

 

*Pharmacists providing contraception and sexual health advice for transgender and gender diverse individuals presumed female at birth must ensure the service is safe and accessible. It’s important to verify that transgender and gender diverse individuals seeking contraceptive care are actively engaged with appropriate sexual health services as needed. The resupply of OCP is permitted for transgender and gender diverse individuals, provided all other protocol conditions are met.

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

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PSA welcomes assistance for Tasmania’s hospital pharmacists

27 May 2024

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes targeted assistance for Tasmania’s hospital pharmacists.

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The allowance announced by Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing Guy Barnett MP aims to attract and retain pharmacists practising across the Tasmanian Health Service including in Statewide Hospital Pharmacy.

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PSA Tasmania branch President David Peachey said adequate staffing across Tasmania’s public hospitals is critical to strengthening patient care.

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“Strengthening our hospital pharmacist workforce, ensuring that they are supported to do their jobs, is an important step in implementing recommendations from the 2023 Tasmanian Pharmacist Scope of Practice Review,” Mr Peachey said.

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“We want to see a health system that values the role of hospital pharmacists, and supports them to practice to their top of scope, including through partnered pharmacist medication charting.

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“There is more to be done to unlock the full potential of pharmacists across our health system, but a strong workforce is essential to delivering the benefits of practising to our full and top of scope.

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“I thank Minister Barnett and the Rockliff Government for their recognition of the critical role pharmacists play in our health system, and their continued support for our profession,” Mr Peachey concluded.

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

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Federal Budget makes medicines more accessible

15 May 2024

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the Albanese Government’s 2024-25 federal budget, making healthcare more accessible to Australians through cost-of-living relief and expanded pharmacy programs.

 

Australians will have access to cheaper medicines under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, with a freeze on indexation for at least one year ensuring that the cost of medicines does not rise with the cost of living. On top of this, all PBS medicines dispensed by a community pharmacy, hospital, or approved prescriber will now be covered by the Closing the Gap PBS co-payment, making essential medicines free or cheaper for First Nations people.

 

The government are also set to invest $151.1 million to improve access to dose administration aids (DAAs), lifting the service cap from 60 to 90 services per pharmacy per week.

 

The Budget has also reaffirmed Commonwealth support for the Aged Care On-site Pharmacists (ACOP) program, investing $333.7 million to embed credentialed pharmacists in aged care facilities from 1 July 2024. Critically, the Budget also confirmed funding for pharmacists to deliver vaccination services in aged care and disability homes, actioning one of PSA’s key recommendations in its 2024-25 Federal Budget Submission.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim welcomed the Budget, saying that measures to tackle the cost of healthcare are critical to improving accessibility of care.

 

“Slowing down the rising cost of medicines is essential to ensuring that basic healthcare remains accessible despite the rising cost of living,” Associate Professor Sim said.

 

“Measures like lifting the cap on dose administration aids and investing in PBS medicines access for First Nations people are a step in the right direction, ensuring that support is rightly focused on priority populations.

 

“Closing the Gap must continue to be a priority for the entire health sector. PSA continues to promote measures that support greater health outcomes for First Nations people, including improving access to essential medicines.

 

“As negotiations on the 8th Community Pharmacy Agreement and other agreements continue, PSA is highlighting the importance of funding for the delivery and quality improvement of pharmacist programs to further support patient safety.

 

“We continue to highlight that pharmacists are key to improving Australians ’access to care and quality use of medicines and medicine safety.”

 

Associate Professor Sim also acknowledged the $160 million investment in women’s health initiatives included in this year’s budget.
 

“I sincerely thank Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care Ged Kearney MP for her continued advocacy for women’s health. It is positive to see investment into women’s health in this year’s budget.

 

 

“This is only the start of the journey, and I look forward to working collaboratively with the government, the Department and other stakeholders on this important work. ’

 

“On behalf of PSA and Australia’s 37,000 pharmacists, I commend Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler, Treasurer Jim Chalmers MP on delivering today’s Budget.”

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

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NT Budget’s investment in health an opportunity

14 May 2024

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the investment in Northern Territory health services as part of the Territory Budget delivered by Chief Minister Eva Lawler MLA today.

 

The Budget includes $12 million for design and preparation for a new 120‑bed residential aged care facility in the Palmerston Regional Health Precinct, as well as $108 million for a range of mental health measures at the Royal Darwin Hospital.

 

President of the PSA Northern Territory and South Australia Branch Dr Manya Angley FPS welcomed the investment, highlighting the opportunities for pharmacists to bolster high-quality aged care and mental health.

 

“The Northern Territory Government’s investment in health services is critical to making care more accessible to Territorians,” Dr Angley said.

 

“The announcement of a new 120-bed residential aged care facility in Palmerston is another opportunity for pharmacists to support older Territorians through the soon to be launched federally-funded Aged Care On-site Pharmacists (ACOP) program, supporting Quality Use of Medicines and reducing the risk of medicine-related harm in aged care.”

 

Pharmacists will be better able to support the mental health care of patients across the Territory, with increased investment into the Royal Darwin Hospital’s mental health capacity, says Dr Angley.

 

“Increased funding for mental health services is a chance to harness the skills and expertise of pharmacists to enhance the delivery of high-quality mental health care through optimising medicine use.

 

“We are continuing to work with the Northern Territory Government to ensure that all Territorians have access to appropriate care when and where they need it, including from pharmacists practising across our health network,” Dr Angley concluded.

 

 

 

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

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Pharmacist UTI services to be expanded across NSW

14 May 2024

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the ‘business as usual’ availability of pharmacist treatment services for uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) across the state, announced by New South Wales Health Minister Ryan Park MP today.

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The announcement, made by the Minister at PSA’s Parliamentary Breakfast at Macquarie Street this morning, boosts access to UTI treatment and support through NSW pharmacies.

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From 1 June 2024, the program will no longer community pharmacies participating in the NSW Pharmacy Trial, instead being available from any eligible pharmacist across the state.

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Women aged 18 to 65 years across the state suffering from the pain and discomfort of a UTI will be able to visit their local pharmacy and access timely treatment under the care of their pharmacist.

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PSA New South Wales President Luke Kelly said the success of the UTI trial demonstrated the confidence in quality care from community pharmacists.

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“Women living in New South Wales will soon have greater access to UTI treatment through their local pharmacist under the permanent state-wide program,” Mr Kelly said.

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“Thousands of New South Wales women have already accessed timely treatment for painful and uncomfortable urinary tract infections, and now even more communities will have access to care through local pharmacists.

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“Pharmacists across New South Wales continue to work closely with GPs, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to ensure that patients get the right level of care when and where they need it, referring patients to their GP or nurse practitioner if there are signs of something more serious.”

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Mr Kelly also encouraged pharmacists outside of the NSW Pharmacy Trial to ensure they are prepared for the program’s expansion.

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“PSA is proudly supporting pharmacists to deliver UTI treatment services through high-quality training and support. All NSW pharmacists can now complete online training and access key PSA resources.

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“Now is the time for pharmacists to make sure they are ready to deliver UTI treatment services, and promoting the quality use of medicines as part of service delivery.

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“I commend the New South Wales Government and Minister Park for their leadership in championing women’s health and the accessibility of health services through our state’s network of community pharmacists.”

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

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Pharmacists welcome another year of free influenza vaccines in WA Budget

10 May 2024

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the 2024-25 Western Australia Budget delivered by Treasurer the Hon. Rita Saffioti MLA yesterday, with a record $3.2 billion investment in health and mental health across the state.


Importantly, the Budget also allocated $8 million for free flu vaccines in May and June 2025 for all Western Australians aged six months and older.


PSA Western Australia President Kristian Ray MPS said that the budget measure provides certainty for the state’s pharmacists.


“Knowing that the Cook Government will provide free influenza vaccines in 2025 gives pharmacists the opportunity to prepare early to meet increased demand,” Mr Ray said.


“Reducing barriers to vaccination is key to improving uptake, including making them low- or no-cost to consumers, and allowing families to get vaccinated together before the flu season begins.


“PSA continues to advocate for the pharmacist immuniser workforce to be fully utilised, delivering all vaccines to patients of all ages and in all settings in line with best practice. This means amending the existing authority and allowing pharmacist to deliver childhood vaccinations, including influenza vaccines, providing Western Australians greater choice and equitable options to access vaccines.


“Pharmacists have demonstrated competency in delivering vaccines safely and effectively and have made a significant contribution to public health by vaccinating countless Western Australians.


“We look forward to continuing our work with the Cook Government to ensure that pharmacists are able to reach their full potential, as immunisers and as health care professionals,” Mr Ray concluded.

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

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Vaping reforms to protect a new generation from nicotine dependence

8 May 2024

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) joins leading health bodies and the Federal Government in calling for reforms to the sale, supply, manufacture and commercial possession of vapes to pass Parliament.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim said Australians do not want to see a new generation of Australians taking up smoking or vaping.

 

“PSA unreservedly supports any measure that reduces the chance of children and young people accessing vapes and support Australia’s world leading approach to tobacco control,” A/Prof Sim said.

 

“Our priority focus in public health messaging and in policy should continue to be on the harms of cigarette smoking and vaping, particularly to young people and children.

 

“Ensuring convenience stores do not sell vapes and removing the colours and flavourings that appeal to young people are the first steps to reducing the harm of nicotine vapes.

 

“There are no nicotine vaping products on the market that have been tested and approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration as safe therapeutic goods, but there are pathways for vaping products to be used as a genuine smoking cessation tool with the support of healthcare professionals.

 

“We need to be clear that vaping is not a ‘safe’ alternative to smoking – we’re already seeing scary short-term effects, not to mention the long-term effects that may emerge in the coming years.

 

“Accessing vaping products through a health professional gives pharmacists the opportunity to provide broader health and smoking cessation support.”

 

PSA is already assisting government with minimising the impacts of vaping in the community.

 

A/Prof Sim said: “PSA is supporting pharmacists across Australia with education and training about our role in vaping and smoking cessation.

 

“There is more work to be done to limit the harm caused by vaping and inhaled nicotine use in general. PSA continues to work with the Federal Government, the Department of Health, the Pharmacy Guild of Australia and other stakeholders to ensure that pharmacists have all necessary resources and education to support vaping reform,” A/Prof Sim concluded.
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Media contact:   Georgia Clarke   M: 0480 099 798  E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au

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‘Placement poverty’ affecting future of health sector workforce

6 May 2024

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is pleased to see the Federal Government taking action to relieve cost of living pressure on students undertaking mandatory unpaid placements as part of their studies but warns that students in pharmacy and other allied health professions are being left behind.

 

Students studying pharmacy and paramedicine are among thousands who will fall outside of today’s announcement, with unpaid clinical placements forcing some to give up their education altogether.

 

Under accreditation requirements, pharmacy students are required to undertake clinical placements as part of their course of study.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim said that the government’s recognition of the strain unpaid placements has on students is the first step, but more needs to be done.

 

“Clinical placements are a valuable part of the learning experience, but they cannot come at the expense of our student’s livelihoods,” A/Prof Sim says.

 

“Training the next generation of pharmacists, I see first-hand the pressure unpaid placements put on our students. I’ve seen pharmacy students forced to give up paid work, struggle to make ends meet, and worryingly, drop out of their degrees altogether.

 

“Many placement sites and pharmacist preceptors also do not get any funding to host placement students.

 

“Pharmacy students and the pharmacy profession require support to continue to meet the growing future health needs of Australians. We need more people to pick pharmacy as their career choice, and that support must start now.

 

“All students undertaking compulsory unpaid placements, including pharmacy students, deserve access to government support.

 

“I urge the Federal Government to revisit this policy and offer the same financial support to all health students who are required to undertake clinical placements as part of their studies.”

 

National Australian Pharmacy Students Association (NAPSA) President Bano Serhan echoed calls for pharmacy students to have access to support.

 

“The government has acknowledged that placement poverty deeply affects students, and this is no different for our members,” she says.

 

“Pharmacy students are being left behind in the budget, at a time when they need more support to build a better and more diverse healthcare workforce.”

 

 

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

NAPSA contact: Sebastian Harper    M: 0437 926 889  E: treasurer@napsa.org.au

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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.

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