PSA: Pharmacists play critical role in dementia care

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is marking Dementia Action Week 2025 (15–21 September 2025) by highlighting the critical role pharmacists play in improving medicine safety and health outcomes for Australians living with dementia.

 

With an estimated 433,300 Australians living with dementia and 1.7 million people involved in their care, dementia touches nearly every community. This year’s theme, “Nobody can do it alone”, is a powerful reminder of the impact of dementia and the collective effort required to support those affected. Pharmacists are ready to play a vital role in this community-wide response.

 

New data released last week by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), revealed that dementia was the leading cause of death for Australians in 2023. The report also found:

• Women accounted for nearly twice as many dementia-related deaths as men

• 32.5% of Australians living with dementia reside in regional and remote areas

• Dementia-related healthcare costs were estimated at almost $3.7 billion in 2020–21.

 

PSA is proud to highlight the Dementia Support Pharmacist project in South Australia, funded by the Country SA Primary Health Network. Since its launch in July 2024, the initiative has delivered impactful, patient-centred care particularly in areas where healthcare resources are stretched thin.

 

Dementia Support Pharmacists Dee-Anne Hull MPS and Nicola Sander MPS have supported hundreds of patients and families through medication management, deprescribing, and holistic care planning.

 

“In 63% of our patient interactions, we’ve recommended deprescribing unnecessary or potentially inappropriate medicines,” said Dee-Anne Hull. “And in 20% of cases, we’ve simplified medicine regimens, making life easier and safer for patients and carers alike.”

 

Beyond medicines, they provide support clients and families with:

• Carer burden assessments

• End-of-life planning

• Non-pharmacological strategies

• Referrals to local services and supports

 

Dee-Anne and Nicola have travelled extensively to reach patients in rural and regional communities, covering over 10,000 km by plane and 10,000 km by car in the first year of the project.

 

“We listen, we care, and we walk alongside families through one of the toughest journeys imaginable,” said Nicola Sander. “Now imagine if there were more of us. Imagine the difference we could make.”

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS added:

“Pharmacists are uniquely placed to support Australians living with dementia through safe, personalised, and accessible care. This program exemplifies the impact pharmacists can have when embedded in dementia care pathways.”

 

“As dementia becomes a leading cause of death, we must invest in scalable, pharmacist-led models of care that improve medicine safety and quality of life for patients and families.”

 

PSA continues to lead national efforts to improve medicine safety and health outcomes for all Australians.

 

Media contact:   David Westman   M: 0480 099 798  E: david.westman@psa.org.au

World Patient Safety Day: Patient safety must start from the very first dose

17 September 2025

 

On World Patient Safety Day, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is urging Australians to reflect on the importance of keeping children and adolescents safe from medicine-related harm.

 

The global theme for this year “Patient safety from the start” resonates strongly in Australia, where PSA’s Medicine Safety: Child and Adolescent Care report revealed that:

 

34,000 children present to Emergency Departments every year due to medicine-related problems — that’s almost 93 presentations every single day.
40 children are admitted to hospital daily from medicine-related harm.
Around half of these incidents are preventable.
PSA National President, Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS, said medicine safety in children must remain front of mind for all health professionals, caregivers, and policymakers.

 

“World Patient Safety Day is a reminder that safe care begins at birth and continues throughout childhood. Every medicine prescribed, dispensed, or administered to a child is an opportunity to prevent harm and protect health,” Associate Professor Sim said.

 

“Pharmacists see first-hand the risks children face — from accidental poisoning to dosing errors.

 

“By working together with parents, carers and the broader health system, we can make a real difference in reducing preventable harm.

 

“Patient safety from the start is not just a theme, it’s a responsibility we all share.”

 

The World Health Organization has called for global action to improve safety in paediatric and newborn care.

 

PSA stands with the international health community in highlighting the importance of safe medicines use as a cornerstone of child health and wellbeing.

 

In Australia, Quality Use of Medicines and Medicines Safety is Australia’s 10th National Health Priority Area.

 

PSA’s Medicine Safety: Child and Adolescent Care report is available at: https://www.psa.org.au/advocacy/working-for-our-profession/medicine-safety/medicine-safety-child-adolescent-care-report/

 

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Media contact: David Westman M: 0480 099 798 E: david.westman@psa.org.au

Pharmacists urge national rollout of free, needle-free flu vaccines for kids

16 September 2025

 

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Media contact:   David Westman   M: 0480 099 798  E: david.westman@psa.org.au

Global call to act on antimicrobial resistance

2 September 2025

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia joined leading pharmacy organisations from around the world today in calling for urgent action to tackle the rise of antibiotic and other antimicrobial resistance.

 

The FIP Copenhagen Declaration on Antimicrobial Resistance, signed by 75 organisations, outlines clear priorities to address antimicrobial resistance, including global partnership building, promoting vaccination and rational antimicrobial use, protecting medicine supply chains, and advancing evidence on stewardship and outcomes.

 

Speaking at the signing ceremony in Copenhagen at the FIP World Congress, PSA Chief Executive Officer Adjunct Associate Professor Steve Morris said the joint statement marked an urgent call for the health and agricultural sectors to act in halting the rise of antimicrobial resistance.

“PSA is proud to join with colleagues from around the world for collective action to tackle the enormous challenge of antimicrobial resistance,” he said.

 

“Antimicrobial resistance is a multifactorial problem requiring bold multifactorial responses. As Australia’s peak body for pharmacists, PSA is committed to playing our role in slowing the emergence of antimicrobial resistance and promoting innovation that drives more rational medicine use.

 

A/ Prof Morris reflected that the agreement built on a strong body of work from PSA to minimise the emergency of antimicrobial resistance in Australia.

“PSA has been a leading Australian voice for rational antimicrobial use. This has included development of evidence-based practice guidelines for treatment of uncomplicated cystitis, changes to Cautionary and Advisory Labels to provide more appropriate directions to patients, and through provision of leading education for pharmacists that drives rational medicine use,” he said.

 

“I look forward to driving the principles outlined in this statement into PSA’s advocacy and into PSA’s products and services.”

 

A copy of the declaration can be found at https://www.fip.org/file/6345

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Media contact:   David Westman   M: 0480 099 798  E: david.westman@psa.org.au

Consultation opens for review of Pharmacist Code of Ethics

2 September 2025

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA), in partnership with the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, is seeking feedback from pharmacists and health sector stakeholders as it commences the consultation phase of renewing the Code of Ethics for Pharmacists.

 

The Code of Ethics is the fundamental resource articulating the values of the pharmacy profession and expected standards of ethical behaviour of pharmacists. The Code underpins the professional practice of all pharmacists in Australia.

 

The first project delivered as part of the Strategic Agreement on Pharmacist Professional Practice, the revised Code of Ethics will better support pharmacists as they face increasingly complex ethical challenges.

 

Pharmacists from all areas of practice, all career stages and all Australian states and territories are invited to provide their views on the current Code, in particular its reflection of values and ethical standards and on emerging ethical issues.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said: “At the heart of our profession is our shared commitment to Care, Competency, and Integrity. These ethical values define who we are as pharmacists, guiding our decisions, shaping our relationships with patients, and underpinning the trust our communities place in us. It is these three values that are the foundation of the Pharmacists Code of Ethics.

 

“As pharmacy practice continues to grow and diversify, the ethical challenges we face also become more complex. New models of care, greater prescribing authority and the growing role of digital health all bring opportunities, but also new responsibilities.

 

Associate Professor Sim also praised the expertise of the Project Advisory Group (PAG), led by Dr Ayomide Ogundipe MPS.

 

“The PAG leading the Code of Ethics project are truly remarkable, including some of the world’s foremost leaders on health professional ethics, representatives of all Australian pharmacy organisations, and consumer voices.

 

“This breadth of expertise ensures the refreshed Code will be rigorous, practical, and responsive to the needs of our profession and the communities we serve.

 

“As we continue to work closely with the Department of Health, Ageing and Disability as part of the Strategic Agreement on Pharmacist Professional Practice, we’re ensuring that the codes, standards and guidelines underpinning our profession remain fit-for-purpose now and into the future,” Associate Professor Sim said.

 

PAG Chair and Board Director Dr Ayomide Ogundipe MPS further encouraged pharmacists to participate in consultation.

 

“The Code of Ethics, last updated in 2017, must continue to evolve alongside the changing world in which we practise,” Dr Ogundipe said.

 

“Throughout this consultation phase we want to hear from a diverse range of pharmacists and stakeholders. That includes both members and non-members, pharmacists in rural, regional and metropolitan areas and in a range of practice settings, students and interns.

 

“There are a number of ways to get involved, whether you’re interested in joining an in-depth virtual workshop, the profession survey, or a one-on-one consultation discussion with our team. No matter how you want to get involved, we’d love to hear from you,” Dr Ogundipe concluded.

 

The pharmacist survey is open now, closing at 5pm AEST on Friday 10 October 2025. For more information on the Code of Ethics for Pharmacist project and to participate, visit www.psa.org.au/code-of-ethics-review/

 

Media contact:  Leah Robinson  M: 0421 659 040   E:  leah.robinson@psa.org.au

Next gen Early Career Pharmacist leaders introduced

25 August 2025

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has today introduced the new crop of leaders for the Early Career Pharmacist (ECP) Community of Specialty Interest (CSI), a dynamic group dedicated to empowering the next generation of pharmacists across Australia.

 

Dr Ayomide Ogundipe MPS has been re-appointed for a third term as Chair of the Early Career Pharmacist Leadership Group and ECP Director on the PSA National Board.

 

For the first time the Early Career Pharmacist CSI will also include a representative practising in the Northern Territory.

 

In announcing the new leadership team, Dr Ogundipe reaffirmed her commitment to a thriving ECP community.

 

“I’m honoured to be reappointed to the PSA Board for my third and final term as the Early Career Pharmacist Director. It’s been a privilege to represent and advocate for my peers during such a transformative time in pharmacy,” Dr Ogundipe said.

 

“This role has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my career, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue contributing to the strategic direction of our profession.

 

“As I step into this final term, I remain deeply committed to ensuring that early career pharmacists have a strong voice in decision-making and policy development.

 

“It’s a privilege to welcome the new members of the ECP CSI Leadership Group, each bringing unique experience, drive and perspective that will be instrumental in shaping the future of our profession.

 

“This leadership group represents the best of what’s next – thoughtful, engaged pharmacists who are ready to make a real impact in their communities and across the profession. It’s incredibly exciting to support a new cohort of leaders who are ready to represent and advocate for early career pharmacists at all levels.

 

“Our early career pharmacists are the future of pharmacy, and I’m inspired by the energy, diversity and ideas that this new group brings. I look forward to seeing how they lead, challenge and elevate the profession.

 

“We’re proud that the CSI leadership group now has representation from across the country, including the Northern Territory for the very first time since its inception. This reflects our commitment to ensuring all regions and voices are included in shaping the future of the profession.

 

“I want to thank Jala Moushi, Keiran Batavia, Shaylee Mills, Monique Licht and Erin Cooper for their support and dedication in building our CSI into the thriving, connected community it is today,” Dr Ogundipe concluded.

 

The 2025-26 Early Career Pharmacists CSI is lead by:
Dr Ayomide Ogundipe MPS (Chair)
James Buckley MPS, Queensland
Joshua Cooper MPS, Victoria
Elissar Mansour MPS, New South Wales
Zineb Medrek MPS, ACT
Rhiannon Price MPS, Western Australia
Abby Richardson MPS, Queensland
Lucy Rowell MPS, Tasmania
Leon Tcha MPS, Northern Territory
Raymond Truong MPS, South Australia

 

PSA looks forward to working closely with the new ECP CSI leaders as they continue to champion the voice of early career pharmacists and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of pharmacy practice in Australia.

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

PSA backs TGA action on medicinal cannabis safety, urges broader regulatory reform

11 August 2025

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the Therapeutic Goods Administration’s (TGA) consultation to address growing safety concerns surrounding unapproved medicinal cannabis products, commencing today 11 August 2025.

 

With more than 1,000 products currently accessed through the Special Access Scheme (SAS) and Authorised Prescriber (AP) scheme, PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS is calling for reform that ensures medicinal cannabis is prescribed and dispensed safely, with appropriate oversight.

 

“PSA commends the TGA for taking action to address the growing safety concerns of both healthcare professionals and our community,” Associate Professor Sim said.

 

“Unregistered medicinal cannabis products pose serious challenges, including inconsistent dosing, limited safety data, and minimal post-market surveillance. These gaps increase the risk of harm and demand greater care in prescribing.

 

“The SAS and AP scheme were designed for unique clinical situations, not as a loophole for hundreds of products to bypass regulatory scrutiny.

 

PSA supports the use of medicinal cannabis when clinically appropriate and overseen by qualified health professionals. However, the current system leaves pharmacists and prescribers without the tools they need to ensure safe and informed use.

 

PSA will engage with subject matter experts and the broader profession to inform its submission to the TGA and is committed to partnering with government to reduce harm from unapproved medicinal cannabis products.

 

While the TGA has acknowledged that product-specific telehealth and digital services fall outside its scope, PSA is calling on other regulators to step up scrutiny of vertically integrated, direct-to-consumer business models.

 

“More needs to be done to curtail aggressive telehealth services that, in many cases, appear to lack robust clinical governance. There is a place for medicinal cannabis products, but we need to prioritise the tools and regulatory environment that promote their safe and appropriate use,” Associate Professor Sim concluded.

 

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

WA pharmacists to treat 17 common conditions under enhanced access pilot

7 August 2025

 

Greater access to care through Western Australia’s community pharmacists is one step closer, with Minister Meredith Hammat MLA announcing 17 common acute and chronic conditions that will soon be treatable by qualified pharmacists.

 

The Enhanced Access Community Pharmacy Pilot will launch in late 2026, enabling patients to receive treatment for common health conditions directly from their local pharmacist. Conditions covered include:

• Asthma
• Smoking cessation
• Shingles
• Impetigo
• Mild psoriasis
• Mild to moderate acne
• Mild to moderate atopic dermatitis
• Mild, acute musculoskeletal pain
• Allergic and nonallergic rhinitis
• Acute otitis externa
• Acute otitis media
• Acute nausea and vomiting
• Acute minor wound management
• Gastro-oesophageal reflux and Gastro-oesophagael reflux disease
• Hormonal contraception
• Weight loss and management of obesity
• Oral health risk assessment and fluoride application

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) West Australian President Kristian Ray MPS welcomed the announcement, saying it reflects the growing role of pharmacists in providing timely, accessible care for more health concerns.

 

“Empowering pharmacists to practice to our full scope means giving our community access to timely care, when and where they need it,” Mr Ray said.

 

“Today’s announcement demonstrates just how much more pharmacists can do to support patients, building on the overwhelmingly positive evidence from pilots in Queensland and internationally.

 

“As pharmacists we are often the first point of contact for health advice, and this expanded scope means we can now do more for patients presenting with everyday conditions. By treating common illnesses and supporting chronic disease management, pharmacists are helping take pressure off a stretched health system,”

 

Queensland’s Community Pharmacy Pilot has successfully operated since April 2024, providing more than 1700 safe, accessible services to Queenslanders and is now a permanent feature of Queensland’s health system.

 

“Evidence from community pharmacy pilots across Australia is clear – pharmacist-led care has improved access, reduced wait times, and maintained strong patient safety outcomes. WA pharmacists are ready to deliver the same high-quality care to our communities.

 

“As the peak national body for pharmacists PSA is working closely with the WA Government to ensure pharmacists are equipped with the support they need to deliver these services safely and effectively,” Mr Ray concluded.

 

 

 

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