Federal Budget 2023: Community pharmacies vital to strengthened primary healthcare

10 May 2023

 

Australia’s pharmacy profession is seeking a greater understanding of several major policy changes announced in the Federal Budget which will have a significant impact on community pharmacies and pharmacists.

 

Responding to the Federal Budget, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is highlighting the importance of consultation with the pharmacy profession on the proposed changes and their implementation, which will be the most effective way to ensure no patient and no pharmacist will be worse off.

 

PSA National President, Dr Fei Sim said: “As expected, the Federal Budget confirmed that it would proceed with a proposal to extend the time-frame to dispense over 300 medicines in pharmacies from 30 days’ supply to 60 days’ supply.

 

“Professionals who work in pharmacies have been surprised and disappointed by the decision made without adequate consultation, but PSA is seeking to work with government to learn more about how the cost savings from this measure will be redirected back to the pharmacy sector.

 

“In the interests of promoting public health outcomes, Australia’s pharmacy profession must continue to thrive, but community pharmacies can’t be expected to do more with less.

 

“Putting in place a higher level of consultation with pharmacists will, in part, help to offset the consequences for community pharmacies across Australia.”

 

Dr Sim said the impact of the changes is much broader than on pharmacists and pharmacy staff.

 

“Medicine use in Australia is increasing,” she said.

“Pharmacists are medicine experts and pharmacist intervention is critical to minimising medicine misadventure and harm.

 

“Community pharmacies are an integral part of Australia’s primary healthcare system.

“Our health system needs pharmacies and pharmacists, and government support is fundamental to delivery.

 

“The government has committed to the 60-day dispensing, but details around implementation and reinvestment into the profession are where the real impacts will be.

 

“Despite the commitment to expand vaccination and other services, reinvestment should be sufficient to maintain the viability of the community pharmacy network, not a redistribution or replacement of patient co-payment, and patients can continue to benefit from pharmacy-delivered services.

 

“The pharmacy profession remains open and willing to work with the government to help ensure there are no unintended consequences to this policy measure, and no patient and no pharmacist will be worse off.”

 

 

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

CPC23: Deborah Hawthorne named Inaugural PSA MIMS Consultant Pharmacist of the Year

5 May 2023

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is proud to announce that Victorian pharmacist Deborah Hawthorne MPS has been awarded the inaugural PSA MIMS Consultant Pharmacist of the Year award at the Consultant Pharmacist Conference (CPC23) in Adelaide.

 

The PSA MIMS Consultant Pharmacist of the Year Award recognises the outstanding contributions of an accredited pharmacist to consultant pharmacy practice in Australia.

 

Deborah has achieved a remarkable experience and innovation in her relatively short time as an accredited pharmacist. She currently works as a general practice pharmacist at South Wangaratta Medical Clinic and Docker St Medical Centre.

 

Deborah is also involved in many projects relevant to the practice of consultant pharmacy, including as a GP Pharmacist Mentor for Brisbane South PHN program and an inaugural member of COHERENT (Consultant pHarmacists’ sERvices rEsearch NeTwork) – research concentrating on Medication Reviews. She is also currently engaged with Yooralla on a project embedding a pharmacist within their health professional teams and works for Beyond Pain, delivering telehealth consultations.

 

One of Deb’s most valued innovations has been the development of the Facebook group Consultant Pharmacists Australia with over 2,400 members. This community of practice is an active and safe place for discussion for all areas of consultant pharmacy practice. She stimulates discussion on a weekly topic ‘Teaching Tuesday’, engaging consultant pharmacists in

 

The Facebook group has quickly grown to a significant support group for accredited pharmacists and those aspiring to accreditation. Deborah also is the creator and administrator of Facebook group ‘North East Victorian Pharmacists’.

 

“Consultant pharmacists have made enormous contributions to Australian health through medication reviews, including in aged care and patients’ homes,” Dr Sim said.

 

“Deborah has made significant contributions to the development of consultant pharmacy in Australia through her own practice and as a mentor and facilitator of discussions and support.

 

“Deb is an outstanding role model to all in our profession.

 

“On behalf of all pharmacists, we congratulate Deborah on her achievements and thank her for her ongoing support of consultant pharmacists around Australia.

 

The PSA send our sincerest gratitude to MIMS Australia and New Zealand and the CEO and Board Director of MIMS, Robert Best, for sponsoring this award and their ongoing support of the PSA.

 

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

CPC23: MRNs extended until 2024

5 May 2023

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has welcomed the extension of Medication Review Numbers (MRNs), allowing accredited pharmacists to continue delivering complex medication management reviews for Australian patients.

 

All provider numbers (known as the MRN) of Accredited Pharmacists were set to expire on 1 July 2023, ceasing Federal Government-funded medication management services in patients’ homes (HMR) and residential aged care facilities (RMMR).

 

The Department of Health Assistant Secretary of Pharmacy David Laffan announced the extension during his address at the inaugural Consultant Pharmacists Conference CPC23 in Adelaide, which allows Accredited Pharmacists to continue to provide and claim for HMR and RMMR.

 

PSA National President Dr Fei Sim FPS said that the continuation of medication review services by Accredited Pharmacists was a positive step amid uncertainty within the sector.

 

“HMRs and RMMRs are an important tool for promoting a model of patient-centred care,” Dr Sim said.

 

“PSA raised urgent concerns with the government about the planned expiry of MRNs on 1 July, which would immediately and significantly impact patient safety.

 

“Mr Laffan confirmed today that Accredited Pharmacists will be able to continue delivering these effective HMR and RMMR services and Accreditation will remain valid until the new APC standards are finalised or to 30 June 2024.

 

Dr Sim also pointed to PSA’s advocacy on the implementation of the Federal Government’s $350 million investment in pharmacists within residential aged care facilities.

 

Speaking at CPC23, Mr Laffan also confirmed that the program provides for one full-time pharmacist per 250 beds in a residential aged care home. For facilities with less than 50 beds, a pharmacist will be on-site at least one day every week.

 

Whilst the announcement by Minister Butler regarding the change of the onsite-aged care pharmacist program to a community pharmacy only out-reach program was not expected, PSA continues to call for flexibility in its delivery and maximum pharmacist time on-ground in these facilities.

 

“No doubt some community pharmacies are well equipped, experienced and have the expertise to deliver tailored services to aged care facilities, PSA continues to advocate for flexibility in the delivery model.

 

“The profession must be involved in the implementation of the program as there are implications on service delivery and training requirements.

 

“The program must meet the recommendations from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety to facilitate quality use of medicines through the work of Accredited Pharmacists.

 

“We need to maximise pharmacist time on-ground in aged care facilities to undertake systems, governance, operational and clinical duties,” Dr Sim said.

 

“We appreciate that this is a turbulent time for pharmacists, and I want to assure all pharmacists that PSA is working hard toward a viable pharmacy sector that works for patients and our profession.

 

“I sincerely thank Mr Laffan for the update provided at PSA’s Consultant Pharmacist Conference, CPC23, and for his ongoing work with the pharmacy sector.”

Record number of women elected to PSA Branch Committees

4 May 2023

 

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is proud to announce the members elected to PSA Branch Committees, to serve from 2023 to 2026.

 

In this election, PSA members have elected the highest number of female committee members in its history.

 

Thank you to all PSA members who nominated for positions. PSA and the pharmacy profession is stronger because of all nominees willingness to lead.

 

Congratulations to the members elected to State and Territory Branch Committees.

 

Incoming leaders will take office from 1 July 2023. New Branch Committee members will meet in the coming weeks to elect Branch Presidents and Board Directors.

 

 

ACT COLLENETTE, Olivia (re-elected) COOPER, Erin (elected) EVANS, Kayla (re-elected) KELLY, Andrew (re-elected) LEUNG, Jess (elected) MARTIN, Alicia (re-elected) NAUNTON, Mark (re-elected) SELLWOOD, Kara (re-elected) TURNER, Kirstin (elected)	NSW BENSON, Helen (re-elected) CARROLL, Peter (re-elected) CARTER, Karen (elected) COLLINS, Jack (elected) DIAMANDIS, Simone (elected) DIAMANTIS, Caroline (re-elected) FELKAI, Chelsea (re-elected) KELLY, Luke (elected) LOGAN, Nicholas (elected) MOLES, Rebekah (re-elected) PHAM, Lily (re-elected) ROSE, Lachlan (re-elected)
QLD BUCKLEY, James (re-elected) CARSON, Sue (re-elected) CONWAY, Emma (elected) DAVIES, Caitlin (elected) FREEMAN, Chris (re-elected) KNOWLES, Hannah (re-elected) MACDONALD, Shane (re-elected) ROBERTS, Tim (re-elected) TOTTERMAN, Bridget (re-elected) WRIGHT, Karla (re-elected)	SA/NT ANGLEY, Manya (re-elected) DIMITRIADIS, Vicky (elected) FORREST, Adam (elected) FRASER, Lauren (elected) HSIAO, Jess (elected) NILAND, Colleen (re-elected) ROGERS, Rebecca (re-elected) SOULSBY, Natalie (re-elected) SPEARE, Tobias (re-elected) BUI, Tien (elected)
TAS BREEN, Juanita (elected) DILWORTH, Nicole (elected) GROSS, Joanne (elected) HOYLE, Daniel (elected) JACKSON, Shane (re-elected) JAMROZIK, Kate (elected) KRUUP, Helen (elected) PEACHEY, David (re-elected) WILLIAMS, Mackenzie (re-elected) KIRSCHBAUM, Mark (elected)	VIC ABRAHAM, Atinuke (elected) APOSTOLOPOULOS, Maria (re-elected) CHEN, Esa (re-elected) CROSS, Amanda (elected) GILL, Taren (re-elected) HAWTHORNE, Deborah (elected) MARCHANT, Benjamin (re-elected) MEHTA, Bobby (elected) PAGE, Amy (re-elected) SAUNDERS, Kellie (re-elected) SHELLY, Brooke (elected) WANG, Kate (elected)
WA ALMASSI, Negar (elected) CASANOVA, Kerry-Anne (elected) CLARK, Craig (elected) NGUYEN, Phuong (elected) OGUNDIPE, Ayomide (re-elected) PISANO, Alyssa (elected) RAY, Kristian (re-elected) SHEEHAN, Lusi (re-elected) SIM, Fei (re-elected) WONG, Keegan (re-elected)

 

WA’s pharmacists honoured with Excellence Awards

27 April 2023

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has recognised Western Australia’s top pharmacists as part of the 2023 PSA Excellence Awards tonight in Perth.

 

Awards were presented to the following pharmacists:

 

The WA Pharmacist of the Year was awarded to Laura Stewart MPS.

 

Laura’s vision is to ensure pharmacists are able to practise to their full scope and are recognised for their key role in healthcare. Working in Pilbara and Gascoyne regions of WA, known to have significant health workforce shortages, Laura has been able to thrive by expanding the team to now include 16 pharmacists, as well as 2 interns.

 

To help create developmental pathways, Laura has invested heavily Intern and Student accommodation. Free housing along with passionate mentoring, leadership and training has seen Laura create a thriving culture where the entire team mirrors her drive and service levels. The Pilbara region is now a pharmacy placement destination that is highly coveted.

 

Laura has formed strategic partnerships with numerous professional bodies including universities to help stimulate & drive student placement opportunities.  Laura also regularly engages with the community through various forums such as seminars, workshops or career vocation days.

 

The WA Early Career Pharmacist of the Year was awarded to Ayomide Ogundipe MPS.

 

Ayomide is a practicing pharmacist and academic, undertaking a Doctor of Philosophy at Curtin University investigating pharmacists’ adoption of technologies with a view to pharmacists’ advanced clinical services.

 

Through her involvement in sessional teaching at Curtin University, Ayomide aims to inspire students with her research-informed, practice-informed approach to learning. In turn, Ayomide is inspired by how they embrace health technologies. She believes that this helps make a difference in how her students graduate with technological literacy and enthusiasm for their emerging careers as future users and adopters of technology.

 

Ayomide looks to further utilise universities in implementing messaging and training for the next generation of pharmacists. She also serves on the PSA Standard Review Group for the review of the Professional Practice standards.

 

The WA Intern of the Year was awarded to Keiran Batavia MPS.

 

Keiran is an engaged and exemplary early career pharmacist and has demonstrated strong leadership initiative as an Intern pharmacist. Through Keiran’s internship at Pharmacy 777 Applecross, he engaged in various professional services. Whilst juggling his internship responsibilities, Keiran demonstrated strong engagement with the Branch committee and willingness to work collaboratively with fellow interns and early career pharmacists to re-engage student, intern and early career pharmacists in the Western Australian contingent of the early career pharmacist CSI. Keiran shows excellent leadership potential, a willingness to learn and be involved, and an eagerness to bring others along on the journey.

 

The WA Lifetime Achievement was awarded to Professor Kevin Batty FPS.

 

Kevin’s 40-year career in Pharmacy spans hospital pharmacy, academic teaching and leadership, and research.

 

His research interests in pharmacokinetics and the pharmaceutical science of antimicrobial drugs are supporting practice change, improving treatments, and positively impacting the health of some of the most vulnerable in our population. Areas include drug stability and compatibility for administration in neonates, study of penicillin pharmacokinetics in Indigenous and Ethiopian children and adults with rheumatic heart disease, and the pharmacokinetics of antimalarial treatments.

 

Kevin graduated from the School of Pharmacy at the WA Institute of Technology (now Curtin University) and embarked on a career in hospital pharmacy, aspiring to become a Chief Pharmacist. However, when the opportunity to study a master’s degree at the University of Manchester UK as the recipient of a Rotary Scholarship arose, a different pathway began to evolve. Shortly after returning from the UK Kevin was enticed into research. After 10 years as a hospital pharmacist and completing his PhD Kevin moved into academia and research at Curtin University in Perth.

 

In 2014 Kevin was appointed as Professor and Head, School of Pharmacy, and then Head, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences when the schools were merged in 2018.

 

During his time in academic leadership positions, he has overseen a number of initiatives for both the advancement of early career Pharmacy academics in the formative years of their research careers, and for course review and inclusions to ensure graduates are ready for the evolving practice environment.

 

Throughout his career Kevin has demonstrated a strong commitment to the profession, to his research collaborators, and to teaching and learning excellence.

 

PSA WA President Lusi Sheehan MPS presented the awards and congratulated each of the winners on their achievement.

 

“These pharmacists have truly demonstrated the full scope of Pharmacy practice in their respective faculties, have travelled beyond the regular roads of pharmacy and are outstanding in the heart of our profession,” Ms Sheehan said.

 

“They commit 100% to their roles, are passionate in the future of pharmacy and are leaders of our profession. We are proud to call them “one of ours”.

 

“Congratulations to all the award winners.”

 

Media contact:   Georgia Clarke

WA pharmacists to deliver free flu vaccines

21 April 2023

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes today’s announcement that all Western Australians will be able to access a free influenza vaccine from their local pharmacist.

 

PSA WA President Lusi Sheehan congratulated the McGowan Government on being the first Australian state to fund influenza vaccines ahead of the 2023 flu season, and urged all Western Australians to get their flu vaccine before winter.

 

“For the month of May, Western Australians will be able to get their flu vaccine from their local pharmacist for free.

 

“In 2022, only 35.8 per cent of West Australians got their influenza vaccine, below the national average of 38.7 per cent.

 

“Pharmacists are able to vaccinate patients 5 years and over, meaning many families can come into their pharmacy together for their flu vaccines.

 

“With the flu season now in full swing, we need to do everything we can to protect Australian children, who can be influenza super-spreaders, by increasing access to vaccination and providing them and their families with optimal protection against this deadly disease.

 

“As pharmacists we have demonstrated the crucial role we continue to play in protecting the health of Australians.

 

“We are already seeing early spikes in influenza cases in Western Australia, beyond pre-pandemic levels, indicating that the upcoming influenza season will be significant.

 

“We must do better than this to protect the most vulnerable in our communities.

 

“Pharmacists are practicing in almost every community from Perth to Broome, supporting the health and wellbeing of our patients.

 

“Visit your local pharmacist now and get your flu vaccine,” Ms Sheehan concluded.

 

The WA Government’s media statement can be found here.

 

 

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

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ health care statement advocates for improved equity of access

14 April 2023

 

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has today launched its Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ health care position statement, recognising culturally safe care and equity of health care access as critical drivers to improving health outcomes.

 

The statement was drafted in consultation with the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO), reaffirming the importance of genuine partnerships and shared decision-making.

 

In collaboration, PSA and NACCHO have pioneered onsite pharmacists within their network, a program that has been successful and we will continue to work to make this service available to as many patients as possible.

 

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

 

PSA National President Dr Fei Sim FPS said that the statement demonstrates pharmacists’ commitment to enhancing the life expectancy, health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

 

“The 2022 Closing the Gap Annual Report highlighted that the target to close the health and life expectancy gap between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians within a generation, while trending in a positive direction, is not on track.

 

“This is something that needs to be urgently addressed not only by providing best practice care, but also increasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representation in the pharmacy workforce.

 

“Equitable access to high-quality and timely health care throughout life is essential for improving health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

 

“All healthcare professionals have a responsibility to provide health care that is culturally responsive and safe for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.

 

“On behalf of all pharmacists, PSA reaffirms our strong commitment to working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander bodies to provide the best support for our patients.”

 

The statement also reaffirms PSA’s longstanding support for the Uluru Statement from the Heart, which calls for a First Nations Voice to be enshrined in the Constitution and for a Makarrata Commission as a process for agreement-making and truth-telling.

 

“We wholeheartedly stand by our endorsement of the Uluru Statement from the Heart and continue to work closely with NACCHO and other Indigenous-led health organisations to equip our profession with the skills and tools to deliver appropriate care for all Australians.

 

“PSA is focussed on progressing work with pharmacists, government and the wider health sector to improve health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,” Dr Sim concluded.

 

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ health care statement can be read here.

Statement on retirement of Brendan Murphy AC

13 April 2023

 

ATTRIBUTABLE TO PSA NATIONAL PRESIDENT DR FEI SIM

 

 

 

I am saddened to hear of Professor Brendan Murphy’s decision to step down as Secretary of the Department of Health in July.

 

Professor Murphy has led our health care system through the most turbulent time in recent history.

 

During his tenure as Secretary of the Department of Health, he not only navigated a global pandemic, but also led reforms in aged care, primary care and healthcare workforce.

 

Under Professor Murphy’s leadership, the Federal Government made the largest investment in pharmacy outside of the Community Pharmacy Agreement, announcing $345.7 million to embed pharmacists in Residential Aged Care Facilities to improve medicine safety for our oldest Australians.

 

On behalf of pharmacists across Australia, I thank Professor Murphy for his leadership and his support of our profession.

 

I wish him well in his retirement, and look forward to working closely with the incoming Secretary to continue healthcare reforms and create a worldclass health system that works for all Australians.

 

Protect yourself against influenza, warn pharmacists

12 April 2023

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is calling on New South Wales residents to head to their local pharmacy for their influenza vaccine ahead of what is expected to be a significant season for the virus. Further, PSA is renewing its calls on the New South Wales Government to fund accessible vaccinations through pharmacists for our most vulnerable groups.

 

Pharmacists are established advocates of vaccination and play a vital role in promoting and supporting vaccination uptake, having administered nearly 10 million COVID-19 vaccines over the past three years.

 

PSA NSW Immediate Past President and pharmacist immuniser Professor Peter Carroll urged all New South Wales residents to get their influenza vaccine.

 

“Community pharmacists, through a well-established network of community pharmacies with extended operating hours, provide an accessible and convenient location to get vaccinated, and all patients 5 years old and over can get their influenza vaccine from their local pharmacist.”

 

“As pharmacists we especially encourage those eligible for the National Immunnisation Program to get their influenza vaccine as soon as possible to prevent the higher risk of severe illness from the influenza virus.”

 

Pharmacists can access NIP vaccines for eligible patients, including people over 65 years, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, pregnant women and those with existing health conditions such as diabetes, cancer, immune disorders, obesity, severe asthma, kidney, heart, lung or liver disease.

 

While eligible patients can currently access NIP influenza vaccines from community pharmacists at no cost, pharmacist vaccinators are not funded to administer these NIP vaccines.

 

This means that influenza vaccination is not free for vulnerable patients when administered in a community pharmacy, as patients may be charged a service fee to pay pharmacists for assessing patient suitability and administering the vaccine.

 

Professor Carroll echoed PSA’s urgent calls for the NSW Government to fund pharmacist-administered NIP influenza vaccines.

 

“This is about ensuring influenza vaccinations are accessible to those who need them the most,” Professor Carroll said.

 

“Funding pharmacist administration of NIP influenza vaccines will give NSW residents greater access, especially those in areas experiencing GP shortages and long wait times for GP appointments.

 

“PSA has called on the NSW Government for some time to fund pharmacists to support vaccine uptake, and now the new Minns Government has the chance to demonstrate their commitment to a healthy population,” Professor Carroll concluded.

 

Media contact:   Georgia Clarke   M: 0410 505 315     E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au

Pharmacists join Assistant Minister’s Women’s Health Advisory Council

12 April 2023

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has today proudly congratulated Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care the Hon Ged Kearney on the establishment of the Women’s Health Advisory Council, and her ongoing support for accessible women’s health.

 

The Council provides a mechanism for key women’s health organisations, as well as a range of professional, consumer and advocacy groups whose input will prove invaluable to monitoring and evaluation of implementation of the National Women’s Health Strategy 2020-2030.

 

National President Dr Fei Sim will be representing Australian pharmacists on the national Women’s Health Advisory Council.

 

In writing to PSA, Assistant Minister Kearney recognised that pharmacist voices were key to achieving a whole of system focus on women’s health.

 

“The Albanese Government has a strong agenda when it comes to women’s health and I will be working with leaders in the field to look at differences between the sexes in the health system so that we can work to improve the health and wellbeing of Australian women,” the letter said.

 

Joining the Council in Melbourne last week, Dr Sim reaffirmed PSA’s commitment to supporting timely and equitable access to care.

 

“I am incredibly proud to represent the voices of pharmacists on the Women’s Health Advisory Council,” Dr Sim said.

 

“Utilising the skills and expertise of pharmacists is vital to progressing the Council’s mission to improve research, service choice, access, empowerment, and safety for Australian women.

 

“There are significant challenges that the health sector needs to work together to solve, so that we can ensure the best health outcomes for our patients.

 

“I am excited and grateful for pharmacists to be able to contribute to supporting the health and wellbeing of Australian women.”

 

Read the Women’s Health Advisory Council’s most recent communique here.