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Thanking your pharmacist is more important than ever

13 March 2024

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is proud to announce the 2024 theme for Thank Your Pharmacist Day – More than ever.

More than ever highlights pharmacists’ growing role in Australia’s health care system, and the enduring commitment of pharmacists in all practice areas and specialisations to quality, accessible care.

Thank Your Pharmacist Day is celebrated annually in March, bringing together patients, community leaders and stakeholders from across the health sector to acknowledge the vital work of Australia’s pharmacists.

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said that support for pharmacists, across all practice areas and specialisations, was more important than ever.

“Our profession is doing more to support the health and wellbeing of Australia than ever before,” A/Prof Sim said.

“We are accessible in communities, offering more services, delivering more vaccinations, and making critical medicines more accessible to all Australians regardless of where they live. In many states and territories, we are strengthening access to oral contraceptives and treatments for uncomplicated UTIs, and in some parts of the country, providing more care for minor skin conditions.

“We are providing more medication management reviews, and supporting multidisciplinary care in general practice, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations, and aged care facilities. We are supporting the quality use of medicines in hospitals, working with doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals in a range of settings—from inpatient bedsides to emergency departments and outpatient clinics.

“Each of these roles and the countless other specialist areas of practice are critical to the future of our health care systems.

“Thank Your Pharmacist Day is an opportunity for all Australians to consider all the ways in which pharmacists support our health. I strongly encourage all Australians to thank their pharmacist every time you visit a pharmacy, but especially on the 21st of March – national Thank Your Pharmacist Day.”

 

Thank Your Pharmacist Day is celebrated on 21 March 2024.

For more information visit www.psa.org.au/thankyourpharmacist

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

More Victorians to access travel health and skin services from community pharmacists

28 February 2024

 

More Victorian pharmacists will soon be delivering expanded vaccination, travel health services and treatment for two common skin conditions as the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) launches a series of brand-new training programs.

PSA’s Travel Health training program provides pharmacists with an understanding of the key health risks associated with international travel, and outlines preventative strategies including travel vaccinations.

PSA’s Herpes Zoster (Shingles) and Mild plaque psoriasis training programs provide pharmacists with a comprehensive clinical understanding the conditions, covering clinical features, treatment approach, management goals, and practical applications for pharmacists participating in prescribing pilots.

The successful completion of these programs enable Victorian pharmacists to offer new services under the Victorian Community Pharmacist Statewide Pilot.

PSA Victoria President Dr Amy Page FPS says that PSA is proud to build on existing support for Victorian pharmacists to deliver high quality care to patients as pharmacist scope continues to evolve.

“We’re excited to offer more support for Victorian pharmacists to grow the scope of their practice under the Victorian Community Pharmacist Statewide Pilot,” Dr Page says.

“More pharmacists will soon be providing treatment for common skin conditions herpes zoster and mild plaque psoriasis flare ups, as well as delivering travel health services. These services, embedded in our local communities means more accessible care for Victorians.

“Pharmacists can now complete training programs in both travel health and skin conditions and offer additional health services backed by nation-leading education and professional support.

“PSA is proudly committed to ensuring that pharmacists are supported with the knowledge and skills required to support Victorians with greater access to health advice in these key clinical areas.”

PSA’s Travel Health and Herpes Zoster (Shingles) and Mild plaque psoriasis modules are available now, free for PSA members.

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

Victorian pharmacists to treat skin conditions from March

20 February 2024

 

Pharmacists across Victoria will soon be able to supply treatment for two skin conditions under the next phase of the Community Pharmacist Statewide Pilot set to begin in March 2024.

Victorian pharmacies that opt for the skin clinical stream and undertake additional training can treat herpes zoster (shingles) and a flare-up of mild plaque psoriasis.

Management Protocols for the two skin conditions are now available.

Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) Victoria President Dr Amy Page FPS welcomed the next phase of the Community Pharmacist Statewide Pilot, and reaffirmed PSA’s support for pharmacists participating in the program.

“Pharmacists are playing an increasingly important role in managing minor ailments and uncomplicated urinary tract infections, to now include common skin conditions,” Dr Page said.

“This is about making sure that Victorians have access to safe care when and where they need it.

“It’s important that the pharmacists participating in the program are supported with the high-quality, best-practice knowledge and skills required to make a meaningful difference in the lives of Victorians while contributing to the success of the Victorian Community Pharmacist Statewide Pilot.

“PSA is building on our existing support for Victorian pharmacists, as we prepare to launch our new training program ahead of the pilot expansion.”

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

NSW Pharmacists recognised for outstanding contributions

17 February 2024

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has recognised New South Wales’ top pharmacists as part of the 2024 PSA Excellence Awards tonight on the NSW Central Coast.

The NSW Pharmacist of the Year is Margaret Ruhnau MPS

Western Sydney pharmacist Margaret Ruhnau is a trailblazer, practicing with her community at the heart of all she does. Since becoming one of the first pharmacists to practice in an Aboriginal Health Service, Ms Ruhnau continues to build a diverse and culturally aware team at Emerton Amcal Pharmacy. Every member of her team has undertaken Deadly Pharmacist foundation training as well Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Competence to support their provision of pharmacy services in partnership with Marrin Weejali – a local Aboriginal-Controlled Health Organisation.

As a credentialed pharmacist Ms Ruhnau was also one of the first pharmacists to practice in General Practice, where she was instrumental in generating evidence for the future roles and recognition of GP Pharmacists. Most recently, Ms Ruhnau was involved in the working group co-designing the NSW Pharmacy Trial for the management of urinary tract infections and extended supply of oral contraceptive medicines.

Aside from her pharmacy work, Margaret has been a Guide Dog puppy raiser at home, raising a successful working Guide Dog and another that went into the Pets As Therapy program.

The NSW Early Career Pharmacist of the Year is Angus Koerstz MPS

After completing his intern year in Canberra, community pharmacist Angus Koerstz opened Men’s Health Downunder Dubbo, supporting men with complex urological health issues particularly post-prostate cancer. Angus works closely with urologists, allied health professionals, and prostate cancer support nurses to improve the urological health of these men which has a significant bearing on their overall quality of life. Mr Koerstz is expanding his scope of practice to work closely with this multidisciplinary team to improve urological health outcomes for men, particularly in regional, rural and remote communities.

He has a keen focus on assisting men to recover from prostate cancer surgery, offering a range of non-pharmacological aids for complex issues such as incontinence, erectile dysfunction and pyronines disease. Mr Koerstz’s innovation and motivation to improve men’s health has seen him become a trusted resource and referral point for local doctors, urologists, and nurses.

Through developing a men’s health clinic in Dubbo, and also seeing patients through his pharmacy Angus has provided men with access to vital information to assist with the management of urological health issues. His expertise has seen men travel four to five hours from more remote western communities for consultation and access to his vital service.

The NSW Intern Pharmacist of the Year is Shannon Leglise

South Coast Intern Pharmacist Shannon Leglise has demonstrated passion and commitment beyond his years, becoming an integral part of the pharmacy team and the local community of Callala Bay. Mr Leglise has worked hard to introduce new services to the pharmacy, expanding his scope of practice beyond what would be expected of an intern pharmacist. In doing so, Mr Leglise has proactively engaged with the community, improving the wellbeing of his patients with proactive health promotion.

 

The NSW Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to Professor Peter Carroll AM FPS

Over a career spanning more than 50 years, Sydney pharmacist Professor Peter Carroll has made an immense contribution to pharmacy professional bodies, changes to pharmacy practice, Government committees, the education of pharmacy students, and the continuing professional development of practising pharmacists.

On top of serving the profession as a PSA National Board Director, President of the NSW Branch and the Offshore Refresher Course’s Education Director, Prof. Carroll was responsible for the development and introduction of the Asthma Card in NSW, allowing pharmacists to counsel patients about their asthma, and the overuse of reliever medicines. He was involved in the initial training of pharmacists to conduct Medication Reviews and played a significant role in developing an accredited vaccination training course for final-year pharmacy students.

Working with both PSA and the Guild, Peter was instrumental in gaining the approval of the NSW Government to allow appropriately trained pharmacists to administer the influenza vaccine. Peter developed a vaccination training course and was personally involved in the training of over 250 pharmacists to administer the influenza vaccine. Peter also played a major role in getting Government approval for pharmacists to administer MMR, DPT, and COVID-19 vaccines.

Prof. Carroll has been a member of the Bachelor of Pharmacy Planning Committee at the University of Newcastle, a member of the Pharmacy Advisory Board at Charles Sturt University, a member of the Pharmacy Trust at Charles Sturt University and Chairperson of the Education Committee of the Pharmacy Practice Foundation at the University of Sydney. Peter was involved in the initial development of the pharmacy courses at both the University of Newcastle and Charles Sturt University.

PSA New South Wales Branch President Luke Kelly FPS congratulated the award recipients.

“New South Wales is lucky to be home to outstanding pharmacists across a breadth of practice areas and specialisations,” Mr Kelly said.

“PSA’s Excellence Awards recognise the many outstanding contributions of our pharmacists,  those who innovate, those who strive to raise practice standards, and those who model everything it means to be a part of our profession.

“Congratulations to all our award winners and thank you for your ongoing contributions to the profession, and to the health of our state.”

 

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

TGA to brief pharmacists on vaping reform

16 February 2024

 

Chief Medical Adviser of the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) Professor Robyn Langham joins Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS this month for a national webinar on recent and planned changes affecting the supply and regulation of vaping products.

Clearing the Air – Navigating the Vaping Reforms with Confidence explores recent regulatory changes (and those in the pipeline) and what they mean for pharmacists. It will also introduce the TGA’s new validation tool providing real-time monitoring of Special Access Scheme and Authorised Prescriber scheme notifications to support safe dispensing of unapproved therapeutic goods.

An update on evidence-based approaches for smoking and vaping cessation and nicotine dependence management will also be covered by guest speakers from the ‘National Quit Training and Resource Centre for Nicotine Cessation’ (Quit Centre) which provides a national best practice support service for health professionals.

A/Prof Fei Sim FPS urged pharmacists to attend the webinar and hear directly from the TGA.

“This webinar is a chance for pharmacists to hear directly from the TGA and experts in the field, to gain in-depth understanding of the new regulatory environment, especially as it relates to dispensing unapproved vaping products.

“I strongly encourage all pharmacists to attend, especially pharmacists who supply or are looking to supply vaping products, to ensure as pharmacists we are meeting our professional obligations in our practice and providing best-practice smoking cessation support to patients.”

Pharmacists can visit Clearing the Air – Navigating the Vaping Reforms with Confidence to register.

Pharmacists can also visit the TGA’s Vaping Hub to find more information on the regulatory changes to vapes, including sourcing and dispensing within the new regulatory settings.

 

Clearing the Air – Navigating the Vaping Reforms with Confidence

Tuesday 27 February 2024, from 7.30pm AEDT

Presented in collaboration with the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care

 

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

Tas expands pharmacy services to UTI treatment

12 February 2024

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the Tasmanian Government’s announcement that pharmacists will be authorised to supply treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) from March this year.

Every community pharmacist in Tasmania will be able to take part in additional training to offer the program which is modelled on services already operating in other states.

PSA Tasmania President David Peachey MPS said the move utilises the state’s most accessible health care professionals to continue supporting timely patient care.

“PSA welcomes Minister Barnett’s move to give Tasmanians greater access to safe health care when and where they need it,” Mr Peachey said.

“We have already seen UTI prescribing programs work successfully around the country – and in Queensland for quite a few years now.

“We know that around half of women will experience a UTI in their lifetime, and that timely access to treatment is key to alleviating discomfort and preventing further complications or hospitalisation.

“Pharmacists are key to strengthening the health care system. Regional and rural communities across Tasmania will benefit enormously from being able to access treatment from their local pharmacist, freeing up our hardworking rural GPs for more complex patient needs.”

PSA’s Managing uncomplicated cystitis training program is now available to all Tasmanian pharmacists. Successful completion allows the pharmacist to provide an assessment and treatment, if deemed appropriate, for uncomplicated UTIs in women aged 18 to 65, once the program commences from 1 March 2024.

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

ACT pharmacists recognised with Excellence Awards

10 February 2024

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has recognised the Australian Capital Territory’s top pharmacists as part of the 2024 PSA Excellence Awards tonight in Canberra.

The ACT Pharmacist of the Year is Kirstin Turner MPS

Canberra pharmacist Kirstin Turner is a Credentialed Pharmacist and Credentialed Diabetes Educator practising in both General and private practice in the ACT. Working with patients of all types of diabetes diagnoses, Kirstin specialises in medication optimisation for elderly patients experiencing diabetes related complications.

On top of maintaining her practice workload, Ms Turner continues to give back to the profession by mentoring and sharing more than a decade of clinical practice experience with recently credentialed pharmacists. Ms Turner’s commitment to sharing her accumulated wealth of experience with pharmacists, the multidisciplinary team, and patients that really stands out.

Ms Turner’s sustained and unwavering focus on the quality use of medicines and medicine safety, both as part of the multidisciplinary health care team and as a distinct health practitioner, exemplifies a true commitment to the pharmacy profession and the wider Canberra community.

The joint ACT Early Career Pharmacists of the Year are Alicia Martin MPS and Jaqueline Lockley MPS

Alicia Martin is a community pharmacist in Canberra’s south and is the founder of TaperMate, a mobile app to help patients safely taper their use of medications that cause withdrawal symptoms, particularly in the mental health space. TaperMate was born from Alicia’s clinical knowledge and passion for harm minimisation and improving consumer health literacy, working to bridge the gap between prescribers and consumers by centralising pharmacist advice and supporting true patient-centred care.

Ms Martin is involved in the Canberra Innovation Network and received YWCA Canberra’s Great Ydeas Grant in 2023 to support the development of TaperMate.

Through both TaperMate and her community pharmacy practice, Ms Martin demonstrates very strong professional leadership and an unwavering commitment to improving the use of mental health medicines and consumer health literacy more broadly.

Jacqueline Lockley is a community pharmacist in Canberra’s inner north, utilising pharmacogenomic testing to support specialised patient care. Ms Lockley promotes the use of pharmacogenomic testing to a range of health professionals, including psychologists and psychiatrists, mental health nurses and general practitioners, aiming to reduce medication misadventure, and improve quality use of medicines by optimising therapy based on an individual’s genetic profile.

Ms Lockley volunteers with the Salvation Army in Braddon, providing free advice and services to Canberrans doing it tough. She provides these services without judgement in a safe, familiar environment, supporting members of the community experiencing substance abuse disorders who may not feel comfortable accessing care in a traditional community pharmacy setting.

Ms Lockley established Self-Harmers Anonymous Australia, a 12-step program to support individuals struggling with self-harm around the country. She also provides information and resources to the friends and families affected by self-harm, supporting them to respond with empathy and understanding.

Ms Lockley is also a pharmacist representation on the ACT’s Capital Health Network Advisory Council, working to improve access and the delivery of quality healthcare to all Canberrans.

 

The ACT Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to Amanda Galbraith MPS

As the ACT’s Acting Chief Pharmacist, Amanda Galbraith has lead work to develop pharmacists’ scope of practice through the expansion of pharmacist administered vaccines and the opportunity for Canberra pharmacies to supply treatment for urinary tract infections, improving access to care for Canberra women.

Ms Galbraith has held a number of leadership positions across the pharmacy sector, including as President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia (ACT Branch), a Pharmaceutical Defence Limited Director, and presently as Chair of the Australian Pharmacy Council’s FARM Committee.

Ms Galbraith’s passion for helping those around her extends to her work with the Pharmacists’ Support Service, offering support related to the many demands of being a pharmacist in Australia. Throughout her career, she has worked to promote First Nations Health, and importantly to promote the careers of First Nations pharmacists. Ms Galbraith is an asset to the ACT health system and the pharmacy profession more broadly.

 

On behalf of PSA, ACT President Olivia Collenette MPS congratulates the pharmacists recognised in this evening’s reception.

“Canberra pharmacists are embodying what it means to be a pharmacist, providing patient-centred care through innovation, excellence in practise, and commitment to our profession.

“A special congratulations to Kirstin, Alicia, Jacqueline and Amanda on your contributions not only to the pharmacy profession, but to the health of all Canberrans.”

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

SA expands pharmacy services to UTI treatment, 24/7 pharmacy opens

6 February 2024

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the opening of the first 24/7 community pharmacy in Adelaide over the weekend by SA Health Minister Chris Picton.

At the opening, Minister Picton also announced that pharmacists who undergo additional training will be able to supply treatment for uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) from March 2024.

PSA South Australia and Northern Territory President Dr Manya Angley FPS said that the round-the-clock access to medicines and health advice – including treatment for uncomfortable UTIs – gives consumers confidence in accessibility to health care.

“With support from the State Government, consumers in Adelaide now have 24-hour access to pharmacists, providing peace of mind that if they get sick or need after hours health advice, they will be able to access expert care from a trusted health professional,” Dr Angley said.

“Health care needs can change unpredictably at all hours of the day or night. People who require medicines for pain management or other palliative care medicines can be assured they can access them around-the-clock, along with the advice and expertise of pharmacists ready to help.

“Pharmacists are critical to improving the accessibility of care and reducing unnecessary stress on our hospital systems, helping to triage, manage and consult on acute common ailments like uncomplicated UTIs.

“Giving consumers an option for acute care outside of visiting an emergency department is key, especially out of hours where there are fewer options for care.

“PSA is looking forward to continuing our work with the South Australian Government and Minister Picton to further improve access to quality healthcare, utilising South Australia’s excellent pharmacists.”

PSA’s Managing uncomplicated cystitis training program is now available to all South Australian pharmacists. Successful completion allows the pharmacist to provide an assessment and treatment, if deemed appropriate, for uncomplicated UTIs in women aged 18 to 65, once the program commences in March 2024.

National Pharmacies in Norwood, South Australia is now open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Chemist Warehouse at the Saints Shopping Centre in Salisbury Plain and Chemist Warehouse at Clovelly Park will begin operating 24/7 in coming weeks.

 

 

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

APF26 supporting developing practice

6 February 2024

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is set to release the 26th print edition of the Australian Pharmaceutical Formulary (APF) later this month, featuring updated guidance and information on a range of clinical topics.

With the publishing of APF26, pharmacists have access to a fully revised section on Compounding, an updated Treatment Guidelines for Pharmacists section, and updated Cautionary Advisory Label (CAL) recommendations.

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said each edition of the APF reflects updated expected practices, supporting quality pharmacy practice across roles and settings.

“As our practice evolves to meet the future health needs of Australians, so does the APF,” A/Prof Sim said.

“APF supports the role of pharmacists in achieving medicine safety backed by evidence-based information at all stages of the medication management cycle, including dispensing, compounding, therapeutic management, and providing health information.

“Whether practicing in community, hospital, embedded and consultant pharmacy roles, using the APF as clinical decision support at the point of care continues to promote the safe and effective use of medicines,” A/Prof Sim concluded.

APF26 contains the most important update to the Compounding section seen for many editions. Key changes in the section include:

  • detailed guidance on assigning expiry dates to compounded medicines (including sterile medicines)
  • clear explanation of the legislative and regulatory framework that applies to compounding
  • expanded guidance on compounding sterile medicines and handling or compounding hazardous medicines
  • new guidance about manipulating and repackaging commercial products
  • new guidance about water used for compounding medicines or for manipulating commercial products into a ready-to-administer form.

Pharmacists who are involved with the following clinical activities will find guidance in APF that is relevant to their practice:

  • simple or complex compounding
  • handling or compounding hazardous medicines
  • repackaging medicines (e.g. into a dose administration aid)
  • manipulating commercial products into a ready-to-administer form (e.g. reconstituting antibiotics)

The Treatment Guidelines for Pharmacists section has been expanded and includes 30 health conditions. The new Treatment Guidelines include:

  • anorectal disorders
  • cold sores
  • conjunctivitis
  • weight management.

Each Treatment Guideline has been written to help pharmacists easily find the key information they need at the point of care.

The Pharmacy Board of Australia requires all pharmacists to have ready access to APF during clinical assessment and reviewing, dispensing, and counselling processes. APF digital subscribers will automatically have access to all new and updated APF26 content.

Pre-orders for the print edition of APF26 are open now. Visit https://www.psa.org.au/media-publications/australian-pharmaceutical-formulary/

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

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia is the only national peak body that represents all of Australia’s pharmacists across all practice settings. We want every Australian to have access to the best healthcare, and this must include optimising access to pharmacists’ knowledge and medicines expertise at the forefront of our healthcare system.

2024-25 Federal Budget submission: Building a healthcare system for the future

5 February 2024

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is calling for investment into pharmacy and pharmacist services to improve access and equity of care as part of its 2024-25 Federal Budget Submission.

As the peak professional body for pharmacists in all areas of practice, PSA calls for the upcoming Federal Budget to support patients’ access to care and medicines through funded community pharmacist-led consultation services, an expanded National Immunisation Program Vaccinations in Pharmacy program, support for participation in multidisciplinary case conferencing, and nation-wide mental health first aid training.

Importantly, PSA also calls for the permanent introduction and funding of the Integrating Pharmacists within Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services to Improve Chronic Disease Management, or IPAC Project, embedding vital medicines safety advocacy into Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander primary health services. The IPAC Project is critically supported by the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) and the Medical Services Advisory Committee (MSAC).

PSA’s recommendations signal the impact that increased scope for pharmacist services can have on the broader health system.

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS says that funding for pharmacist services is key to equitable and accessible care now and into the future.

“This year’s Budget is an opportunity to strengthen our healthcare system, ensuring that its fit for purpose and able to meet the current and future health needs of our population,” A/Prof Sim said.

“Pharmacists should be supported to deliver more vaccinations, to act as a key consultation and triage point, and to offer crisis support to people experiencing mental ill health.

“Pharmacists should be funded to continue our vital role in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander primary health services as part of the IPAC program supported by the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation and the Medical Services Advisory Committee.

“These recommendations bolster medicine safety, and recognise pharmacists’ roles in disease management, and support access to care for all Australians.

“We can make a real difference to the patients we serve, and the health system more broadly, but our pharmacy workforce should be supported to be in these roles.

“PSA is calling for investment across five key areas that support patient access to care, bolster the quality use of medicines and medicines safety, and recognise our roles as critical to improving the disease management.

“Investing in community-based care and quality use of medicines is investing in accessible and equitable care for Australians when and where they need it,” A/Prof Sim concluded.

PSA’s full Budget Submission is available at https://www.psa.org.au/advocacy/budget-submissions/

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