WA’s top pharmacists recognised by PSA

Sunday 29 May 2022

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia’s (PSA) State Conference, the WA Annual Therapeutic Update (ATU), and WA Pharmacist Awards were held in Perth yesterday.

 

The WA ATU brings the pharmacy profession together to share the latest in clinical updates and pharmaceutical innovation.

 

The WA ATU coincides with the 2022 WA Pharmacy Awards, which are presented to outstanding pharmacists for their commitment and dedication to the health of their communities.

 

PSA’s WA Branch President Keegan Wong congratulated the awardees for their ongoing dedication to the profession over a particularly turbulent year.

 

“These pharmacists have gone above and beyond to demonstrate their leadership and commitment to the health and wellbeing of their communities,” Mr Wong said.

 

The awards acknowledge and celebrate WA pharmacists through the Intern Pharmacist of the Year, Early Career Pharmacist of the Year, Pharmacist of the Year and the Lifetime Achievement awards.

The 2022 winners are:

• Intern Pharmacist of the Year – Shaylee Mills
• Early Career Pharmacist of the Year – Aaron Chan
• Pharmacist of the Year – Phuong Nguyen
• Lifetime Achievement – Chris Shenton

Background profiles on award winners below.

 

Intern Pharmacist of the Year – Shaylee Mills

 

Shaylee began her pharmacy studies in 2018 at Curtin University and started her first pharmacy job at Corrigin Pharmacy; a local community pharmacy in the wheatbelt located near her hometown Quairading. Through the course of her studies, she also worked in a metropolitan pharmacy, hospital pharmacy, undertook a research scholarship and was one of the student representatives on the SHPA committee 2021.

 

She is now completing her internship at Kimberley Pharmacy Services in Broome where amidst the current COVID outbreak, dove straight into running the vaccine clinic and producing a large range of medication education resources for Indigenous families having to isolate in remote areas of the region. After completion of her intern year, Shaylee intends to go into the Graduate Pharmacist program at Kimberley Pharmacy Services to complete a two-year diploma in rural generalism.

 

Early Career Pharmacist of the Year – Aaron Chan

 

Aaron has dedicated countless hours to advocating for pharmacists, improving the profession, supporting the community, and ensuring the best health outcomes for his patients. He graduated from the University of Western Australia with a Master of Pharmacy degree in 2018 and worked full-time at Pharmacy 777 Applecross for approximately two years as a professional services pharmacist. Early this year, he joined the pharmacy team at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital and has been working there since. He is still working weekend shifts at Pharmacy 777 Applecross, as he wants to continue providing a positive impact to his patient in the community.

He is passionate about education and has presented talks to several community groups on various health topics, including Parkinson’s disease, wound care, bone health, and immune health.
Aaron is also a member of the Antimicrobial Resistance Aware committee to provide a pharmacist’s perspective on how we can reduce the unnecessary use of antimicrobials and increase awareness around this growing health concern. He advocated this during last year’s Jacaranda Festival in Applecross, engaging with the community and highlighting the importance of reserving antibiotics for when they are genuinely required.

 

Pharmacist of the Year – Phuong Nguyen

 

Phuong’s journey as a pharmacist started after graduating from Curtin University in 2005 and completing her internship – 2000 hours as it was known back then – at Pharmacy 777 Midland. After her registration, Phuong went on to be a community pharmacist with the Pharmacy 777, PPS and Pharmacy Alliance Groups, as a permanent and locum pharmacist as well training future pharmacists as a preceptor. It was during her 7-year tenure at Acacia Pharmacy Bentley that Phuong found her passion for aged care, community service and the business side of pharmacy. It was this that led Phuong to the pathway of pursuing a Master of Business Administration at the University of Western Australia. As part of her MBA, Phuong was granted the opportunity to study abroad at Harvard University, in the United States, and parts of Europe including Switzerland, Germany and France.

 

After graduating with the MBA in 2020, Phuong transitioned into management consulting for PwC Australia within the Health & Wellbeing team. Phuong has been involved in projects such as a digital transformation program and COVID-19 preparedness within the WA Healthcare setting. Even though Phuong is a consultant during the week, she maintains her connection with community pharmacy by working every weekend at her local pharmacy. In her spare time, Phuong volunteers within her community and also mentors potential and future pharmacy students within the UWA mentorship program.

 

 

Lifetime Achievement – Chris Shenton

 

Chris graduated as a pharmacist from Curtin University in 1986. He trained at Mount Hospital before beginning a community pharmacy career in Rockingham. Chris’ career has included a pharmacy at the Perth Royal Show, volunteering at the 2000 Sydney Olympics in the medical team, community pharmacy, large scale aged care pharmacy, hospital pharmacy and home IV services.

 

Chris is Director of PureIV, a TGA approved sterile injectable compounding manufacturer. PureIV compounds IV medicines for home hospital and hospital theatres using the latest techniques and equipment.

 

Chris is Managing partner of Joondalup Hospital Pharmacy provides pharmaceutical services to Joondalup Health Campus, other hospitals and mental health. Joondalup is a 750-bed public/ private hospital.

 

He is director of SouthWest Hospital Pharmacy which is located within the comprehensive cancer centre at St John of God Hospital Bunbury. This pharmacy opened in April 2013 and is a leader in regional oncology services. Chris is also a 40 under 40 business award winner from 2004.

 

Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463

Free flu vaccinations welcomed by pharmacists, but nation-wide solution needed to curb surge

Tuesday 31 May 2022

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes announcements from state
governments in South Australia, Western Australia, New South Wales and Victoria that will
provide greater access to influenza vaccines for Australians this winter.

 

Throughout June, people aged five years and over will be able to access a free influenza vaccine
from their GP or pharmacist. GPs will continue to administer vaccines to people aged 6 months to
five years old.

 

This follows a similar announcement last week from the Queensland Government.

 

While PSA National President, A/Prof Chris Freeman, welcomed the announcement, he cautioned more needs to be done to protect Australians this winter, and in future flu seasons.

 

“Public health teams are rightly alarmed by the surging influenza caseload across the nation. Hospitalisations are already placing strain on stretched health resources. We must act with urgency and work together to vaccinate as many people against influenza as soon as possible.

 

“I thank the South Australian, Western Australian, New South Wales and Victorian governments
for launching free flu vaccine programs following Queensland’s announcement last week. We
urge Tasmania, the Australian Capital Territory, and the Northern Territory to immediately follow.

 

“These announcements demonstrate the crucial role that pharmacists continue to play in
protecting the health of Australians. We appreciate that these governments are making a critical
investment, by remunerating pharmacists for providing this service.

 

“However, these state-based time-limited programs are only a band-aid for the bigger problem of
funding arrangements which have not kept pace with population health needs.

 

“We need to make it easier for all Australians to be protected against influenza every year, by
removing cost barriers currently faced by many Australians.

 

“It is time for the Federal Government to extend the Medicare Benefits Schedule to fund the costs
to patients for administration of National Immunisation Program (NIP) vaccinations by their
pharmacist”, A/Prof Freeman said.

 

“PSA has been calling for this for some time.”

 

PSA also urges the Federal Government to properly fund the administration of all NIP vaccine
services provided by a pharmacist, so that our most vulnerable Australians no longer face out-of-pocket
expenses.

Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463

World Immunisation Week: Long Life for All – In pursuit of a long life well lived

Sunday 24^th April 2022

 

Today, 24^th April, marks the start of World Immunisation Week, an occasion dedicated to encouraging the use of vaccines to protect people of all ages against disease.

 

Second only to clean drinking water, vaccination is one of the most important health interventions to reduce mortality. The positive impact on human health is difficult to overestimate.

 

A/Prof Chris Freeman, National President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, acknowledged this important period, praising all of Australia’s authorised immunisers.

 

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of Australia’s immunisers, especially our pharmacist immunisers, for your vaccination efforts over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

“COVID-19 aside, our nation’s immunisers have gone above and beyond for their patients and communities to ensure that Australians are keeping up to date with all vaccinations, during a time when traditional primary healthcare arrangements have been altered drastically.

 

“The theme of World Immunisation Week this year is Long Life for All – In pursuit of a long life well lived, perfectly capturing what we, as pharmacist immunisers, are helping achieve, with every vaccine we administer.

 

“Over 6.8 million COVID-19 vaccine doses have now been administered by pharmacists through local pharmacies, and many, many more have been administered in hubs, hospitals, general practice and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs).

 

“With the influenza season now in full swing, pharmacists have already made significant progress in the national vaccination campaign, where they have now administered over 275,000 influenza vaccines in 2022.”

 

He went on call for better access to all vaccinations from pharmacists.

 

“The benefits of vaccination on human health are clear, but still, barriers to vaccine access remain.

 

“Only a small selection of vaccinations are available from pharmacists and there are still restrictions on the age and location they can be administered. We need to ensure all vaccinations are available, when and where people need them.

 

“Funding provided for vaccinations also creates barriers to access.

 

“As it stands, the public is unable to access the same level of subsidies for the administration of National Immunisation Program (NIP) vaccines when they visit their pharmacist compared to other vaccine providers. Unfortunately, this then leaves vulnerable population groups potentially out of pocket for a critical public health measure.

 

“With the Federal Election to taking place in less than a month, the incoming government must prioritise the equity of vaccine administration payments for the public accessing NIP vaccines, ensuring that immunisation programs can continue sustainably.

 

“Introducing a single MBS service payment to pharmacists for assessing suitability and administering vaccinations funded through the NIP will ensure that vaccines such as COVID-19 and influenza remain viable when administered by a pharmacist, and dramatically reduce out of pocket costs for patients.

 

“Failure to remunerate pharmacists for these services makes it harder for people to be protected and limits uptake, factors which will have dire consequences on the health and wellbeing of the population,” A/Prof Freeman said.

 

Over the coming months, PSA is committed to working with the incoming government to tackling barriers precluding access to vaccination through Australia’s frontline healthcare workforce, pharmacists.

 

 

Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463

PSA welcomes greater vaccine access for West Australians

21 April 2022

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia’s (PSA) WA Branch welcomes the expansion of the state’s vaccination program, announced today by WA Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson.

 

WA pharmacist immunisers will soon be able to administer National Immunisation Program (NIP) vaccinations, including influenza vaccines to children aged 5 years and over, who are eligible under the program.

 

In addition, adolescents will have greater access to vaccines including human papillomavirus (HPV), diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis (dTpa), meningococcal ACWY, measles-mumps-rubella and COVID vaccinations, with pharmacists to be allowed to administer all of these vaccines in line with the state immunisation schedule.
PSA WA Branch President, Keegan Wong, welcomed the move.

 

“This is great news for Western Australian parents, with the program’s expansion now meaning that their children can get vaccinated against the flu by their local pharmacist.

 

“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.

 

“School holidays are a great opportunity for kids to come in for their COVID-19 and influenza vaccines on the same day, so strike while the iron’s hot and make an appointment for the whole family today through your local pharmacy.

 

“It also pleasing that state’s vaccination program will soon include vaccination against HPV along with further alignment of age eligibility, and we commend the McGowan Government for this move.

 

PSA will continue to work closely with the WA Government to improve accessibility to the seasonal influenza vaccine, ultimately improving access for vulnerable Western Australians.

 

“It is critical that governments continue to remove barriers to vaccination and align the funding and regulation of pharmacist-administered vaccinations with that of all other authorised immunisers and today’s announcement is a step in the right direction,” Mr Wong said.

 

PSA will also work with the incoming federal government to further reduce financial barriers to vaccination by seeking an MBS service payment to pharmacists for administering National Immunisation Program (NIP) vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccines.

 

 

Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463

‘The most important election in decades’: Incoming government must prioritise consumer access to pharmacist services.

Sunday 10 April 2022

 

Ahead of what has been dubbed as the most important election in decades, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is renewing calls to prioritise better consumer access to care through fairer remuneration for pharmacist delivered services.

 

Today, the Prime Minister has confirmed that the 2022 Federal Election will be held on Saturday 21^st May.

 

PSA National President, A/Prof Chris Freeman, demanded that both major parties look to address inequitable consumer access to care as a matter of priority for the incoming government.

 

“The Australian public and pharmacists have faced immense challenges and pressures over the past 24 months. Now, more than ever, is the time to ensure that access to health care remains universal, particularly for the most vulnerable of the population. Consumers need subsidised access to care at the health setting and their qualified health professional of choice.

 

“Consumers face out of pocket expenses for the administration of the influenza vaccination under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) if delivered by their pharmacist, whereas, receive subsidies if done at a general practice. It is unacceptable for a consumer not to receive this subsidy for exactly the same service delivered by a qualified health professional in a setting of their choice.

 

“When it comes to case conferences, a critical multidisciplinary process for ensuring quality of care, pharmacists are the only allied health provider that government does not remunerate for their time and participation. This is unacceptable, and at the end of the day, Australians are losing out.

 

“Introducing a Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) payment to pharmacists for administering NIP vaccines, and a separate MBS rebate for pharmacists to be remunerated for participating multidisciplinary case conferences, would increase consumer access to pharmacist skills and expertise.

 

“If these pay disparities continue to exist, it will have dire consequences on Australia’s healthcare system, ultimately leaving patients out of pocket.

 

“We are six weeks out from one of the most important Federal Elections, and the Government’s pandemic response and outlook for the healthcare system will be under the microscope once again. The successful party must rectify these inequalities as a matter of priority, keeping consumers front and centre of their decision making.

 

“It is absolutely critical that the incoming government places consumers at the forefront of their policy decisions, ensuring that pharmacists can continue to deliver essential services which have kept Australians safe during this unprecedented period of uncertainty,” he said.

 

Over the coming months, PSA, the peak body representing Australian pharmacists, is committed to working with the incoming government to tackle these challenges, improving access to pharmacist delivered care and ensuring Australian’s get the care they need, when and where they need it.

PSA welcomes new Tasmanian Premier

Friday 8^th April 2022

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia’s (PSA) Tasmania Branch welcomes the appointment of Jeremy Rockliff MP as Premier of Tasmania and Michael Ferguson MP as the state’s Deputy Premier.

 

This morning, Jeremy Rockliff MP, previously serving as Tasmania’s Minister for Health, was appointed Premier of Tasmania, replacing Peter Gutwein MP.

 

PSA Tasmania Branch President, David Peachey, congratulated Premier Rockliff and thanked the outgoing Premier for his service.

 

“I congratulate the incoming Premier and Deputy Premier on their appointments respectively, and PSA looks forward continuing our positive and collaborative relationship with the Tasmanian Government.

 

“Premier Rockliff’s experience, particularly in the health portfolio, serving as Deputy Premier, Minister for Health and Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing, will serve the state well into the future.

 

“PSA also thanks former Premier, Peter Gutwein, for his support of pharmacists and Tasmania’s healthcare system throughout his tenure.

 

“His leadership has played a critical role in keeping Tasmanians safe throughout the pandemic, and keeping the COVID-19 infection rate low for such a long period of time.

 

“We wish him and his family all the best for the future,” Mr Peachey said.

 

 

Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463

Australian first: Influenza vaccine now available for 5 years and older from pharmacists, but over 65’s still missing out.

Wednesday 6^th March 2022

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia’s (PSA) Queensland Branch welcomes increased access to the influenza vaccine for Queensland children, but is deeply concerned this is only temporary and that barriers to access still remain for those aged 65 and over.

 

Under emergency health orders, Queensland pharmacists can now administer influenza vaccines to children 5 years and over in any Australian Government and Queensland Government controlled COVID-19 vaccination service, including community pharmacies, medical centres, hospitals, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs), aged care and disability centres.

 

PSA Queensland Branch President, Shane MacDonald, welcomed this Australian first move but was frustrated that access for an equally susceptible cohort remains restricted.

 

“This is a sensible change, and not a moment too soon.

 

“Children can be influenza super-spreaders and vaccination is the best line of defence for themselves and those around them.

 

“The upcoming school holidays are a great opportunity for kids to come in for their COVID-19 and influenza vaccines on the same day. Flu vaccines are available now, so make an appointment for the whole family today through your local pharmacy.

 

“Despite leading in the protection of children, the Queensland Government now needs to act to support those over the age of 65 to access National Immunisation Program flu vaccines from pharmacies.

 

“Right now, Queenslanders aged 65 years are unable to access the recommended vaccine for their age from their pharmacy, with the Queensland Government denying access to the National Immunisation Program to pharmacies, something that the rest of the country is supporting this year.

 

“Experts anticipate that the severity of influenza will be highly unpredictable this year, and the season will soon be in full swing. By failing to allow pharmacists, our most accessible healthcare workforce, to vaccinate older Queenslanders, these people are being significantly disadvantaged.

 

“It makes no sense that a mum can bring her kids into the pharmacy for their flu vaccine, but grandma and grandpa can’t join them. Why do they need to join the queue at a government clinic, or make an appointment with a GP?

 

“We must join the rest of the country by removing barriers to vaccination and aligning the funding and regulation of pharmacist-administered vaccinations with that of all other authorised immunisers,” Mr MacDonald said.

 

PSA will continue to work closely with the Queensland Government to improve accessibility to the seasonal influenza vaccine, ultimately improving access for vulnerable Queenslanders.

 

 

Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463

Outstanding SA pharmacists recognised!

Friday 1^st April 2022

 

Outstanding pharmacists have been recognised at the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia’s (PSA) SA Pharmacy Awards conference held this evening in Adelaide.

 

These awards acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of outstanding SA and NT pharmacists through the Gold Medal, Intern Pharmacist of the Year, Early Career Pharmacist (ECP) of the Year, Pharmacist of the Year and Lifetime Achievement awards.

 

This year’s award winners are as follows:

 

• Gold Medal: Mikah Peterson MPS
• Intern Pharmacist of the Year: Lauren Fraser MPS
• Early Career Pharmacist of the Year: Julian Soriano MPS
• Pharmacist of the Year: Kylie Van Rooijen MPS
• Lifetime Achievement Award: Kingsley Coulthard FPS

 

PSA’s SA Branch President, Robyn Johns, congratulated the winners on their success and highlighted their contributions.

 

“Over the past two years, our pharmacists have gone over and above for their communities, and on behalf of the PSA, I thank them for supporting the health and wellbeing of South Australians.

 

“I congratulate this year’s award recipients for their significant contribution to the pharmacy profession, excelling themselves and advancing pharmacy practice across the state,” she said.

 

Mikah Peterson, currently undertaking her internship with SA Pharmacy, within the Southern Adelaide Local Health Network (SALHN), was awarded the Gold Medal.

 

“Following clinical placements at TerryWhite Chemmart Christies Guild and Flinders Medical Centre, Mikah undertook an 8-week research project in her final year of study at the University of South Australia with the Medication Safety Committee at SALHN. The project assessed nurses’ understanding of high-risk medications such as high dose insulin and auditing sedation score monitoring following the administration of opioids.

 

“Mikah has demonstrated a passion for pharmacy practice and intends to continue working as a hospital pharmacist, and evidently, has a promising career ahead of her,” Ms Johns said.

 

Lauren Fraser was awarded Intern Pharmacist of the Year for her commitment to patient care, initiative in service delivery and professional engagement.

 

“Lauren’s internship was divided between University of South Australia research and community pharmacy, during a complex and demanding 2021. Despite this, she excelled in both fields.

 

“She allocated time to developing professional partnerships, designing progressive pharmacy tools, services and research, and donated much of her time to supporting patients and co-workers with their health.

 

“Lauren has developed partnerships with many external groups including Sonder and Asthma Australia, co-designing grant applications with each to further pharmacy practice, both of which are being progressed, and supported a successful local COVID-19 immunisation event for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

 

“I congratulate Lauren on her achievement and will be watching her career with great interest,” she said.

 

Julian Soriano was awarded Early Career Pharmacist of the Year for his commitment to aged care and palliative care pharmacy.

 

“Through his work as an embedded aged care pharmacist, Julian has been at the forefront of establishing the critical role that pharmacists can play in residential aged care facilities. His work in this space has been integral to securing $345.7 million in Federal Government funding for the embedding of pharmacists in these facilities, as announced last week.

 

“Julian’s willingness to share knowledge and advocate for pharmacists demonstrates his dedication to improving the lives of older Australians through better medication and health management.

 

“Through setting up regular multidisciplinary team case conferencing meetings, Julian has contributed to advances in medicines safety. He has initiated pharmacists’ role in the palliative care team for residents in RACFs through collaborating with community pharmacy to improve end-of-life care for residents, establishing a network and communication pathway between specialist palliative care services and local pharmacy services.

 

“He truly is a pioneer of multidisciplinary pharmacy practice and is thoroughly deserving of this award,” she said.

 

Port Lincoln-based community pharmacist and trainee educator, Kylie Van Rooijen, was named Pharmacist of the Year for outstanding service to SA pharmacy, spanning over a 30-year period.

 

“As a key member of the PSA and CountrySA PHN project, Kylie also works in the Boston Bay Family Health Clinic where she provides a range of services including medication reviews, advice and education, and liaison between the general practice, hospitals and community pharmacy.

 

“A self-proclaimed medication translator, Kylie reconciles hospital discharge summaries with general practice health records and conducts patient consultations, helping to reduce the possibility of medication problems. Such problems include treatment courses not being completed, or a person failing to restart taking vital medications which they were taken off during their hospital stay.

 

“Kylie believes that it is imperative for pharmacists to keep up-to-date with practice guideline and regulatory changes, and through this role, she can ensure that this information is easily accessible for GPs and registrars, freeing up their time to focus on patient care.

 

“A fierce advocate for equity in healthcare, Kylie works at the Port Lincoln Aboriginal Health Centre, in a role she created for herself. Determined to make a difference to the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, the impact she has had on their patients and practice has been significant, so-much-so that the clinic opted to keep her on two days a week.

 

“Also training as a diabetes educator, Kylie’s commitment to furthering pharmacy practice in South Australia has been exceptional, attracting and inspiring future generations of pharmacists.

 

The University of South Australia’s, Adj A/Prof Kingsley Coulthard FPS, was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award for half a century of service to South Australian pharmacy.

 

“Kingsley, hospital pharmacist and nationally-recognised advocate for equity of access for children, to safe and effective medicines, has received this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award for more than 50 years of service to the profession.

 

“He commenced his pharmacy career at the Adelaide Children’s Hospital in 1971, working in paediatrics in Australia and overseas until his retirement as Director of Pharmacy at the Adelaide Women’s and Children’s Hospital in 2010.

 

“His main research and clinical interests have been in the area of paediatric therapeutics, in particular, relating to asthma and cystic fibrosis. He is also a member of the paediatric writing group for the Australian Asthma Handbook and a member of the Asthma Australia Advisory Committee.

 

“In 2009, Kingsley received the SHPA’s Fred J Boyd Award. This biannual award is presented to a hospital pharmacist who has made an outstanding contribution to hospital pharmacy. He also served as a member of the PSA SA/NT Branch Committee from 2014 to 2021.

 

“More recently, he has been involved in the education of pharmacy students and interns and is an examiner for the Australian Pharmacy Council. He has a major interest in the challenges of rural and remote pharmacy practice and continues to work in that area as a locum, conducting home medicines reviews on the Yorke Peninsula,” Ms Johns said.

 

PSA congratulates all winners on their achievements and thanks them for their service to pharmacy in South Australia.

 

 

Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463