‘Healthcare doesn’t just happen in hospitals’; PSA calls for NSW’s mandatory vaccination health orders to be expanded to all health staff

While the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) supports the NSW Government’s decision to mandate the COVID-19 vaccine for all the state’s hospital workers, it contends the requirements do not go far enough.

 

Yesterday, 26^th August, the Berejiklian Government made COVID-19 vaccination mandatory for all NSW health workers in hospitals, aged care and ambulances – with first doses being required as of 30 September and second doses by 30 November.

 

In applauding the decision, PSA NSW Branch President, Chelsea Felkai, urged the NSW Government to go much further.

 

“I commend the Berejiklian Government’s decision to mandate COVID-19 vaccination for NSW health workers in hospitals. This is an important move, and NSW has led the nation on this. But I cannot understand why the public health order does not apply to health workers in primary care – such as community pharmacists and general practitioners.

 

“Frontline health care doesn’t just happen in hospitals. It happens in community pharmacies and medical centres. They are an equally high risk of transmission, as evidenced by their frequent appearances on exposure site lists.

 

“All health care workers and the community should be able to have confidence that everyone working to support health has heeded the health advice. That is, being vaccinated to protect themselves, their colleagues, and their patients,” Ms Felkai said.

 

PSA National President, A/Prof Chris Freeman, agreed, and called all other jurisdictions to get moving.

 

“The actions taken by the NSW Government are a step in the right direction, protecting health care workers and mitigating the risk of further transmission in high-risk primary care settings.

 

“It is appropriate that requirements for vaccination are consistent across all high-risk settings, such as health care – rather than being left as a decision for individual businesses and service providers.

 

“PSA asserts that the requirements must apply in all patient-facing settings, where pharmacists and other health care workers practice – including hospitals, community pharmacies, aged care, general practice and ACCHOs.

 

“Of course, we recognise there are a very small number of people who have genuine medical contraindication to vaccination. We must continue to support these people in our workforce and work with them on the safest role they can play, whilst maximising those immunised around them,” A/Prof Freeman said.

 

PSA calls on all state and territory governments to mandate COVID-19 vaccinations for all health workers.

 

For more information on vaccination requirements for NSW health workers, please visit this link.

 

 

Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463

PSA announces new Early Career Pharmacists directorship

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the new Early Career Pharmacists (ECP) Board Director to the PSA National Board.

 

Today, 23^rd August, Deanna Mill has been appointed as the Early Career Pharmacists Board Director, following the conclusion of Lauren Burton’s term.

 

Based in Adelaide, Ms Mill has acquired a unique breadth of skills and experience, having worked in rural, metropolitan, hospital, community, teaching and research settings. In addition to her comprehensive pharmacy experience, Ms Mill is also currently completing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) at the University of Western Australia.

 

PSA National President, A/Prof Chris Freeman, welcomed Ms Mill and thanked the outgoing Lauren Burton for her contribution to the role.

 

“Deanna’s achievements to date are very impressive, and we warmly welcome her to the PSA National Board.

 

“She is passionate about elevating ECP voices around the country and inspiring the broader profession to see beyond the current state of pharmacy practice, enabling innovation.

 

“Having worked in multiple practice settings and with her focus currently on researching the professional behaviour of pharmacists, she has unique insight into the disconnect between how pharmacists want to practice and what the current system allows.

 

“She will draw on her experiences to connect ECPs around the country, ensuring they have the support needed to build the future that they and all Australians want and deserve,” A/Prof Freeman said.

 

He went on to acknowledge Lauren Burton for her service to PSA and the profession at large.

 

“On behalf of the PSA Board, I’d like to thank Lauren Burton for her contribution to the role over the past three years.

 

“ECPs make up a large proportion of PSA’s membership and are integral stakeholders in the Australian pharmacy sector – and Lauren has led this cohort by example.

 

“I would particularly like to acknowledge Lauren’s leadership in helping establish the Early Career Pharmacy Community of Specialty Interest. Her consultative and supportive approach to this work ultimately led to its launch at PSA21VIRTUAL.

 

“Lauren brought far more to the PSA Board in addition to her advocacy for ECPs. Lauren is a naturally gifted director with skills in governance and leadership – importantly bringing a ‘members first’ approach to considerations around the Board table. Lauren has a bright future ahead of her, and I am pleased she will continue in her role on the PSA WA Branch Committee,” A/Prof Freeman said.

 

PSA looks forward to Deanna’s directorship and warmly welcome her to the PSA National Board.

 

 

Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463

PSA remembers the late Professor Andrew Gilbert AM

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is saddened by the recent passing of one of Australia’s most influential pharmacists.

 

Last Friday, 20^th August, Emeritus Professor Andrew Gilbert AM, peacefully passed away, surrounded by his family. He was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to pharmacy as an educator, researcher, and administrator and to professional organisations.

 

Professor Gilbert, PSA Fellow and former Director of The Quality Use of Medicines and Pharmacy Research Centre, was internationally renowned for his research and consultancy work in areas of medicines policy and health practice change.

 

PSA National President, A/Prof Chris Freeman, was deeply saddened by the passing of his mentor and friend.

 

“The loss of Professor Gilbert, Andy, affects me deeply. He had such a big influence on my career. Andy was a mentor who took me under his wing, provided me with many opportunities, and offered a voice of reason when I felt uncertain. I know he played a similar role for many in the pharmacy profession. I am lucky to have called him a friend.

 

“Andy was instrumental in securing federal funding of Home Medication Reviews for at-risk people in the community, and further research on medication management issues in the veteran community.

 

“His research led to the publication and national adoption of the Professional Practice Standards with another program of research that enhanced outcomes for residents of aged-care facilities through improved medication use.

 

“In 2005, he was awarded the Pharmacist of the Year Award and the South Australian Pharmacist of the Year in 2004, for his work in medicines policy development, implementation and evaluation, pharmaco-epidemiology, and health practice change.

 

“Andy also contributed to the initiation of the ‘Veterans MATES’ program at the University of South Australia now led by Professor Libby Roughead. This unique program provides direct patient-based feedback to medical practitioners regarding medications provides to veterans.

 

“In recognition of his lifelong contribution to the pharmacy profession, PSA awarded Andy with Life Fellowship in 2019, at a ceremony in Adelaide attended by his family, friends and colleagues.

 

“PSA extends its condolences Andy’s wife Marg, his daughters Kate and Alice, and the rest of his family. His legacy and impact on pharmacy practice will not be forgotten,” A/Prof Freeman said.

 

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Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463

PSA welcomes Roadmap to improve the health of the intellectually disabled

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) supports the Government’s plan to improve the health of Australians living with intellectual disability.

 

Last Friday, 13^th August, the Minister for Health and Aged Care, the Hon Greg Hunt MP, launched the National Roadmap for Improving the Health of People with Intellectual Disability.

 

This comprehensive plan will look to improve the health outcomes of people with intellectual disability in Australia over the next decade, with the Morrison Government initially committing $19.3 million to fund the first actions of the Roadmap.

 

The Roadmap will look to improve the overall standard of care and support that is provided to people with intellectual disability through more effective models of care, greater support for health workers, improved monitoring of their conditions and greater consideration in emergency planning and responses.

 

PSA National President, A/Prof Chris Freeman, expressed his support for the ten-year plan.

 

“PSA strongly supports the key objectives of the National Roadmap, in particular, the development of better models of care for people with intellectual disability and support for health professionals to deliver quality care for this cohort.

 

“While there is rightly an urgency to address inappropriate use of psychotropic medicines by people with intellectual disability, as PSA outlined in its submission to the Disability Royal Commission last year, there is broader concern for people with disability who require support with their medicines.

 

“It is vital that these vulnerable Australians, their families, and their carers have routine access to pharmacists and appropriate medication management programs to help ensure medication safety, support optimal and quality use of medicines and improve quality of life,” A/Prof Freeman said.

 

PSA SA/NT Branch Committee Member, Dr Manya Angley, who appeared as a witness at the Disability Royal Commission, highlighted various opportunities where pharmacists can identify inappropriate medicines use, and work with prescribers and other members of the disability care team to ensure quality use of medicines.

 

“People with intellectual disability experience stark mental and physical health disadvantage compared to the general Australian population.

 

“As medicines are the most powerful intervention used in health care, pharmacists are well positioned to improve overall health by ensuring quality use of medicines. Inappropriate medicine use, especially psychotropics, is a problem concerning both the health and disability sectors – hence, interdisciplinary collaboration is required to address it.

 

“My experience working in the sector is that it is equally challenging and rewarding. The key role pharmacists can play in the healthcare of these Australians needs to be clearly defined and resourced accordingly. The Roadmap is an opportunity to enable this,” Dr Angley said.

 

PSA looks forward to continuing the collaboration with all partners in implementing the initiatives of the comprehensive 10-year plan to improve the health outcomes of people with intellectual disability in Australia.

 

For further information on the Roadmap, please visit the National Roadmap for Improving the Health of People with Intellectual Disability | Australian Government Department of Health.

 

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Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463

Pharmacists quickly reach 100k rollout milestone

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) congratulates Australian pharmacists for standing up for their communities, as they pass an important milestone.

 

In a few short weeks, pharmacists have rapidly administered over 100,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine, according to data from the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR).

 

PSA National President, A/Prof Chris Freeman, expressed his admiration of the pharmacy profession’s contribution to the rollout to date.

 

“Today’s data from the AIR is very pleasing, as more than 100,000 doses have been administered by pharmacists across our country.

 

“Considering that only a fraction of Australia’s pharmacists have commenced vaccinating in recent weeks, these numbers are quite staggering. Imagine the vaccination rates once all approved pharmacists are on-boarded.

 

“This data underpins the trust that Australians place in their local pharmacists to protect them against this deadly disease.

 

“I acknowledge the pharmacists who have been vaccinating through GP clinics, respiratory clinics, and vaccination hubs since day one of the vaccine rollout – they have paved the way for community pharmacist involvement in the strategy. I commend those pharmacies who have remained open beyond business hours and on weekends as they work toward safeguarding their communities.

 

“Vaccination by pharmacists is the patient-centric approach that Australians need and deserve – and this is the tip of the iceberg for the impact they can have on the vaccine rollout,” A/Prof Freeman said.

 

PSA looks forward to the arrival of the Moderna vaccine in mid-September and is dedicated to supporting pharmacists in delivering all COVID-19 vaccines both safely and effectively to the public.

 

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Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463

PSA welcomes new WA Branch President

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) WA Branch has elected a new president, following recent Branch elections.

 

Last week, the PSA WA Branch Committee elected Keegan Wong as the new Branch President, whilst outgoing President, Dr Fei Sim, has been appointed to the PSA National Board.

 

Since graduating from Curtin University in 2009, Mr Wong has become a successful practitioner and pharmacy owner. Mr Wong’s Priceline pharmacy in Kalamunda was awarded the WA Priceline Pharmacy of the Year 2019, and in that same year, he was named WA Priceline Pharmacist of the Year.

 

PSA Chief Executive Officer, Mark Kinsela, welcomed Mr Wong to the role and acknowledged the contribution of the outgoing Dr Fei Sim.

 

“Mr Wong’s service to the pharmacy profession to date is outstanding – and his experience and expertise will build on PSA’s existing momentum in WA.

 

“He has established health initiatives in his pharmacy, such as weight management clinics, sleep apnoea clinics, diabetes and sugar assessments and monthly blood pressure screenings.

 

“His community pharmacy management and proprietor skills have not only made him a leader in the industry, but have also allowed him to facilitate a contemporary, patient-centric practice environment,” Mr Kinsela said.

 

Mr Kinsela extended thanks to Dr Fei Sim for her exemplary contribution to the role and the profession as a whole.

 

“Over the past four years, PSA’s WA Branch has been led by one of the country’s most talented and well-respected pharmacists, Dr Fei Sim.

 

“Fei is a successful community pharmacy group owner and Fellow of the PSA. Fei is personable, accomplished and is the consummate professional.

 

“Dr Sim was the recipient of the JM O’Hara research grant from the Pharmaceutical Society of Australian (PSWA) in 2018. Through this grant, Dr Sim and her team conducted and published a feasibility study on Point-of-Care C-Reactive Protein Testing. It is hoped this project will contribute towards facilitating antimicrobial stewardship, and advancing evidence-based community pharmacy practice to improve recognition of pharmacists’ roles and remuneration.

 

“Fei has truly been an asset to WA pharmacists and we are delighted that she has been elevated to a Director on the PSA National Board – continuing to support the important work of the profession,” Mr Kinsela said.

 

PSA looks forward to Mr Wong’s leadership and welcomes him as the WA Branch President.

 

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Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463

Pharmacists to administer first doses of Moderna

Note: For further information on how to book your vaccine appointment, please visit the Department of Health website.

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the Prime Minister’s announcement that pharmacists will be among the first to administer initial doses of the Moderna vaccine.

 

This afternoon, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) provisionally approved use of the Moderna vaccine, with the Morrison Government confirming that the first doses will be distributed to approved community pharmacies.

 

PSA National President, A/Prof Chris Freeman, welcomed this afternoon’s news and called for further improvements to vaccine access.

 

“PSA commends the Government’s announcement that pharmacists will be prioritised in the rollout of Moderna planned for September.

 

“Whilst this is welcomed news for Australians, it is important that governments continue to expand access to vaccines. This includes allowing pharmacists to administer all COVID19 vaccines where supply is available.

 

“In order to ensure we achieve high rates of vaccination and overcome vaccine hesitancy, we must utilise all pharmacists, all TGA-approved vaccines, and all practice settings.

 

“Pharmacists are one of our most accessible frontline health workforces and community pharmacies are open beyond business hours and on weekends. Pharmacists must play a key role for Australia to complete this vaccine rollout,” A/Prof Freeman concluded.

 

PSA is dedicated to supporting pharmacists in delivering all COVID-19 vaccines both safely and effectively to the public, and pharmacists remain committed to supporting the strategy wherever possible.

 

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Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463

 

PSA launches Residential Aged Care Pharmacist: Foundation Training Program

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has launched a new training program to support pharmacists working in residential aged care, as a new emerging role.

 

PSA’s Residential Aged Care Pharmacist: Foundation Training Program is an accredited CPD activity that will help Australian pharmacists upskill for aged care practice settings.

 

The course will support recommendations from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety which focussed on ways to improve quality use of medicines and reduce the use of chemical restraints.

 

PSA National President, A/Prof Chris Freeman, shed light on the new course.

 

“I am delighted to announce the launch of PSA’s Aged Care Foundation Training Program. This project has been in development for some time and has been designed to support a critical area of pharmacist practice, as evidenced by the Royal Commission.

 

“PSA’s Medicine Safety: Take Care and Medicine Safety: Aged Care reports found that 98 percent of aged care residents have at least one medicine-related problem, and over half are exposed to at least one potentially inappropriate medicine.

 

“Pharmacists working in residential aged care facilities can help improve the quality use of medicines and health outcomes of aged care residents by using their clinical knowledge to its full extent, and limiting the incidence of harm from suboptimal or inappropriate use of medicines.

 

“The Aged Care Foundation Training Program is the only short CPD course available of its kind that specifically focuses on the needs of pharmacists, taking into account their background as medicines experts.

 

“Completion of this course will ensure that pharmacists are equipped with the knowledge, skills and confidence to work with the elderly, ensuring pharmacists can better contribute to quality use of medicines in residential aged care.

 

“We need all pharmacists to practise to full scope, and playing a more targeted role in residential aged care will be a significant step toward improving clinical practice, medication management and safety in this environment.

 

“Having more pharmacist time on-site in these facilities improves the standard of residents’ care and will prevent avoidable harm and death – providing reassurance to residents and their loved ones,” A/Prof Freeman said.

 

PSA believes that there is a need for strong clinical leadership in the pharmacy profession, to engage pharmacists in these important areas of practice and to demonstrate the value of enhanced medication management reviews.

 

For further information on the aged care pharmacy, please visit this link. For more information on the course itself, please click here.

 

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Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463

PSA21VIRTUAL: QUT take out PSOTY honours

Last night, The Pharmacy Student of the Year (PSOTY) awards were conducted at PSA21VIRTUAL, with Queensland University of Technology’s Zoe Robinson winning and claiming the honours. 

 

PSOTY awards recognise and celebrate outstanding pharmacy students by showcasing their counselling skills to the pharmacy profession and is a highlight of PSA’s annual flagship conference. 

 

PSA extends thanks to the PSOTY award sponsor, Viatris, for their ongoing support of the event, and looks forward to working with them again in 2022.

 

Congratulations also to Dharshan Rasiah from the University of South Australia, who took out the People’s Choice award. 

 

PSA National President, A/Prof Chris Freeman, congratulated Ms Robinson on her achievement and commended the talent of all finalists.

 

“It is heartening to see the future of our profession on show, demonstrating a high level of clinical knowledge, capability and passion – evidently, the future of pharmacy is incredibly bright.

 

“I congratulate Zoe on her achievement and would like to thank all the finalists in what was a difficult decision for the judging panel. 

 

“This competition provides students the opportunity to demonstrate important skills such as gaining patient insights and patient understanding, active listening and skills that support positive patient outcomes.

 

“We commend each finalist for the professionalism they displayed when communicating with the patient, taking patient history, excluding serious medical conditions and subsequently arriving at an appropriate clinical recommendation,” A/Prof Freeman concluded.

 

As winner of the national award, Ms Robinson has received a travel prize for pharmacy-specific education to the value of $5,000.

 

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Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463