Diversity, equality and continuity of leadership

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia’s (PSA) Board Elect met yesterday to elect Board leadership positions.

 

As a result of the recent PSA elections, more than half of the PSA Board are now women, with Directors also representing diversity in age and cultural backgrounds.

 

With experience in community pharmacy, academia and research, hospital pharmacy, general practice and interdisciplinary care, and the pharmaceutical industry this highly skilled and capable Board has been appointed to represent the profession.

 

The Board Elect’s first decision has been to re-appoint Associate Professor Chris Freeman as PSA National President. Under Chris’ leadership, he has helped to steer the profession through the pandemic while PSA continues to go from strength to strength.

 

Michelle Lynch and Renae Beardmore will also continue in their roles as PSA Vice Presidents. Michelle has been the chair of the Finance, Audit and Risk Management Committee of the PSA, and through her leadership, has embedded robust financial oversight of the Society.

 

Renae, as the chair of the Policy and Advocacy Committee has driven PSA’s policy and advocacy contribution to the profession, while also focused on ensuring the best possible implementation of the 7^th Community Pharmacy Agreement.

 

The Board would like to acknowledge the significant contributions of retiring directors Joe Demarte, Lauren Burton, Peter Carroll, and Chris Shenton who have each shown an unwavering dedication to PSA members and the profession as a whole.

 

The Board has committed to remain focused on PSA’s strategy to achieving pharmacist scope of practice fulfillment, improved pharmacist remuneration and conditions, and better recognition for pharmacists’ contribution to patient care.

 

Board members will officially take office from 1 July 2021.

 

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Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463

Nicotine vaping product access changes coming

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is urging all pharmacists to be aware of regulatory changes to nicotine vaping, which come into effect on 1 October 2021.

 

Changes to the scheduling of nicotine as a prescription-only medicine will mean liquid nicotine, commonly used in vaping, can only be legally supplied domestically by a pharmacist upon presentation of a prescription and evidence of a Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approval (under the Special Access Scheme B or Authorised Prescriber Scheme).

 

In preparation, PSA is developing guidelines to support pharmacists in procuring and dispensing unregistered nicotine vaping products on prescription for people for whom they have been prescribed.

 

PSA National President, A/Prof Chris Freeman, encourages pharmacists to prepare to manage these changes and support more than 200,000 Australians estimated to be using vaporised nicotine.

 

“Liquid nicotine is not currently available through the pharmaceutical supply chain. As an unapproved product, pharmacists will need to have clear processes in place to ensure liquid nicotine supplied on prescription and in accordance with the TGA’s approval, complies with the TGA’s product standard for unapproved vaping products, Therapeutic Goods Order 110. The standard includes requirements related to labelling (e.g. warnings and nicotine content), packaging (child resistant closures), ingredients and contaminants.”

 

“While evidence is still emerging to support the use of vaporised nicotine in smoking cessation or harm minimisation, these changes are coming and pharmacists will be there to support patients who present with prescriptions.”

 

“Given the significance of changes to the regulation of nicotine and the high number of people currently using vaporised nicotine, it is essential that pharmacists are guided with appropriate resources including clinical guidelines and practice support tools to assist their patients.”

 

PSA acknowledges the TGA’s work to date in establishing standards and draft guidance to help clarify the safety and quality requirements for such products.

 

“Regulators around the world are rightly cautious on the risks and benefits of inhaled nicotine delivered via electronic cigarettes. Vaping is largely unregulated and overseas its uptake has been largely driven by the tobacco industry,” A/Prof Freeman said.

 

“The TGA has taken appropriate steps to reduce the risk of harm to people currently using vaping products, but a fundamental problem remains – we don’t know how dangerous or how useful they will be in the long-term.”

 

“Pharmacists will need to do what they are trained to do, putting their patient’s health first and helping those willing to quit do so in the safest and most effective way possible.”

 

 

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Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463

PSA welcomes new Branch Committee Office Bearers and Branch Appointed Directors

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the newly elected and re-elected State and Territory Branch Committee Office Bearers and Branch Appointed Directors.

 

Drawing on their extensive experience and skillsets, these representatives will advocate for the profession and promote membership across the nation. These appointments will ensure members’ interests are represented as part of the Member First pillar of PSA’s Strategic Intent.

 

PSA extends thanks to the outgoing Office Bearers and Branch Appointed Directors for their contribution and dedication to the profession throughout their terms.

 

PSA is excited by these appointments and is relishing the opportunity to work closely with this diverse and experienced group of leaders.

 

In accordance with the Rules of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia Limited, PSA declares that the below individuals will assume their respective roles from 1 July 2021.

 

State Branch Committee	Positions
ACT Branch Committee	•         Renae Beardmore – Branch President and Board Member •         Olivia Collenette – Branch Vice President •         Bill Kelly – Branch Vice President
NSW Branch Committee	•         Chelsea Felkai – Branch President •         Caroline Diamantis – Branch Vice President and Board Member •         Sarah Dineen-Griffin – Branch Vice President •         Warwick Plunkett – Board Member
QLD Branch Committee	•         Shane MacDonald – Branch President •         Sue Carson – Branch Vice President •         Chris Freeman – Board Member
SA/NT Branch Committee	•         Robyn Johns – Branch President •         Sam Keitaanpaa – Branch Vice President •         Veronika Seda – Branch Vice President
TAS Branch Committee	•         Dr Ella Van Tienen – Branch President •         Dr Shane Jackson – Branch Vice President •         David Peachey – Branch Vice President
VIC Branch Committee	•         John Jackson – Branch President •         Esa Chen – Branch Vice President •         Jenny Gowan – Branch Vice President •         Ben Marchant – Board Member •         Michelle Lynch – Board Member
WA Branch Committee	•         Anna Gelavis – Branch President •         Chris Shenton – Branch Vice President •         Lauren Burton  – Branch Vice President •         Fei Sim  – Board Member

 

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Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463

A day to celebrate

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) rejoices over today’s commencement of immunisation against COVID-19 through community pharmacies.

 

Today, 49 regional and remote Queensland pharmacies have commenced immunising Australians against the COVID-19 virus. PSA has been lobbying to secure pharmacist involvement in the strategy over recent months and is delighted to see that this has come to fruition.

 

PSA National President, A/Prof Chris Freeman, said today is a turning point in Australia’s COVID-19 vaccine roll-out.

 

“Today is the day that many rural communities have been waiting for, with Queensland community pharmacies able to help vaccinate and protect them against COVID-19.”

 

“This adds to those pharmacists in hospitals, general practice, and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) who have been involved in the COVID19 vaccine rollout thus far.”

 

“We are at a critical juncture in Australia’s fight against this deadly disease and pharmacist involvement must run parallel with the increasing supply of these highly-effective vaccines.”

 

“Pharmacists around the country are vaccine champions and we are ready to play our part by joining the primary care rollout, emulating Queensland’s lead.”

 

PSA welcomes comments from the Victorian Health Minister, Martin Foley, over the weekend that the state is looking to similarly activate rural and outer suburban pharmacies where there are currently gaps in vaccine access.

 

PSA calls for further collaboration between governments and pharmacy organisations, using Queensland pharmacies’ involvement in rollout as the springboard to immunising the population.

 

PSA is dedicated to supporting pharmacists in delivering the COVID-19 vaccine both safely and effectively to the public, and pharmacists around the country remain ready and on standby to support the strategy.

 

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Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463

PSA launches Reconciliation Action Plan

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is delighted to announce the launch of its Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) framework.

 

Last Friday, 28 May, PSA’s RAP received formal endorsement from Reconciliation Australia. The RAP framework will provide the PSA with a structured approach to advancing reconciliation throughout the organisation.

 

The first stage in this plan, Reflect, will help PSA gauge where it stands in relation to reconciliation action. By the conclusion of Reflect, the organisation will have influenced positive cultural change across the organisation.

 

PSA National President, A/Prof Chris Freeman, stressed the importance of this strategy.

 

“PSA is delighted to launch our RAP, as it signifies an important milestone for the organisation. PSA’s RAP will build on current reconciliation initiatives within the organisation, driving reconciliation through awareness and action.”

 

“Our RAP provides a strategic framework that will ensure PSA is a culturally safe workplace and welcoming for everyone, irrespective of their cultural heritage.”

 

“As the peak body representing pharmacists, Australia’s most accessible workforce, PSA is ideally placed to improve medicine safety for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, particularly in rural and remote communities.”

 

PSA NT/SA State Manager, Helen Stone, was a key driver of the project.

 

“Providing culturally safe health care comes with understanding and acceptance of the impact that generational disadvantage has had and continues to have on the mental and physical health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.”

 

“The development of this RAP is a commitment to ensure the cultural literacy of PSA staff towards being a culturally safe workplace which is then reflected in our member education and practice support services.”

 

“I look forward to supporting and working with PSA staff, Branch Committees and the Board to progress the actions within our Reflect RAP, and collaborating with colleagues and members as we continue our reconciliation journey towards the next stage Innovate”, said Ms Stone.

 

PSA is committed to creating a culturally safe and inclusive environment for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff, members, stakeholders and patients.

 

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Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463

National Reconciliation Week – a time to reflect

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) recognises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the First People of this nation, acknowledging Elders past, present and emerging.

 

PSA takes pride in, and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s history and cultures and recognises the importance of National Reconciliation Week.

 

From Wednesday 27 May to Thursday 3 June, PSA encourages all members and the wider public to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements through active engagement with Nation Reconciliation Week initiatives.

 

Less than 1 percent of Australian pharmacists identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, a statistic that is of great concern to the PSA. In Australia, there are existing programs that support the development of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander pharmacists, such as the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Pharmacy Scholarship Scheme (ATSIPSS). Under the Seventh Community Pharmacy Agreement (7CPA), this scheme encourages students to undertake undergraduate or graduate entry studies in pharmacy at an Australian university.

 

PSA demonstrates our commitment to achieving reconciliation through internal initiatives such as the Culturally Safe Health Care Webinar held on 26 May and through the custodianship of the Practice Guidelines for providing pharmacy services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. These initiatives are designed to help pharmacists create an environment that is culturally safe for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

 

Next week, PSA will be launching the first stage of our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), Reflect. By reflecting on our practice, PSA wants to support and enhance the understanding of our people to build relationships and engage with communities to support culturally safe care.

 

PSA supports further measures to enhance the representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people within the profession.

 

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Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463

A landmark day in Australia’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout: PSA welcomes announcement that community pharmacists will commence vaccinating within weeks in rural and remote Queensland

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes this morning’s announcement that up to 56 rural and remote community pharmacies in Queensland will shortly join the COVID-19 vaccine roll and start administering the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine to eligible Australians.

 

In a joint announcement this morning, the Minister for Health the Hon. Greg Hunt and Queensland Minister for Health and Ambulance Services the Hon. Yvette D’Ath revealed community pharmacies in rural and remote Queensland who were successful in the recent EOI process would be activated to administer AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine within weeks.

 

PSA’s National President, A/Prof Chris Freeman said the announcement will be a turning point in Australia’s COVID-19 vaccine roll-out.

 

“Today is a landmark day in Australia’s COVID-19 vaccine strategy. Community pharmacists have been waiting to join the vaccine campaign, and it is great to see Queensland pharmacists in these 56 regional pharmacies be the first to answer the call to protect their community.”

 

“This adds to the pharmacists in hospitals, general practice, and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) who have already been involved in the COVID19 vaccine rollout.”

 

In welcoming the announcement, PSA called on governments around Australia to fast-track bringing community pharmacies on board to improve accessibility to the COVID-19 vaccine.

 

“Given their accessibility and convenience, community pharmacies are ideal vaccination sites. Sixty five percent of Australians in rural Australia live within two kilometres of a community pharmacy, so geographically, it is easier for Australians to find their local pharmacy.”

 

With a greater supply of COVID-19 vaccines now available, A/Prof Freeman said now is the time to ramp up the rollout through community pharmacies.

 

“We have two excellent vaccines available which are safe and highly effective at preventing severe diseases, including hospitalisation and death. Now is the time for all eligible Australians to seek vaccination. Pharmacists around the country are vaccine champions and we are ready to play our part by joining the primary care rollout, ultimately protecting Australians against this terrible disease.”

 

The Federal Health Minister signalled more community pharmacies would join the campaign as greater supply becomes available in the coming months.

 

“Now is the time for other jurisdictions to sign up to community pharmacist administered COVID19 vaccinations. PSA is dedicated to supporting pharmacists in delivering the COVID-19 vaccine both safely and effectively to the public, and pharmacists around the country remain ready and on standby to support the strategy”, A/Prof Freeman said.

 

“With overseas regulatory agencies now confident the Pfizer vaccine is stable at normal refrigerated cold chain temperatures for up to 30 days, subject to local regulatory approval, it may be feasible for community pharmacists to also administer the Pfizer vaccine later this year in Phase 2b and beyond.”

 

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Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463

PSA welcomes new State and Territory Branch Committees

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) congratulates and warmly welcomes the newly elected State and Territory Branch Committees.

 

These newly elected leaders bring further passion and diversity to the PSA, as they seek to represent their profession.

 

PSA extends thanks to Australia’s leading voting & election service provider, CorpVote, for their management of the election process. For the second time, PSA used an online voting platform for the Branch Committee elections, and it was encouraging to see that the majority of members used this technology to have their say.

 

These Branch Committee members are now eligible to become National Board Directors, drawing on their skills and experience to advocate for the profession, promote membership and represent their State or Territory.

 

PSA’s Chief Executive Officer, Mark Kinsela, welcomed the new Branch Committees and thanked all members for their contribution to the election process.

 

“The PSA is thrilled to announce the newly elected members of the Branch Committees and we believe that these appointees will drive the organisation and profession forward.”

 

“We would like to thank the record number of nominees who put their hands up to lead the profession, and the members who took the time to cast their vote.”

 

“The enthusiasm, passion, and talent of all nominees signifies a very promising future for the pharmacy profession.”

 

The following Branch Committee members will commence their term on July 1 and will hold office for two years.

 

In accordance with the Rules of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia Limited, PSA declares the following results for the 2021 PSA Branch Committee election:

 

Branch	Committee Members
ACT Branch – 9 positions	BEARDMORE, Renae COLLENETTE, Olivia HIDAYAT, Christopher KELLY, Andrew KELLY, William MARTIN, Alicia NAUNTON, Mark SELLWOOD, Kara TODD, Lyn
NSW Branch – 12 positions	BELL, John BENSON, Helen BRONGER, John CARROLL, Peter CARTER, Stephen DIAMANTIS, Caroline DINEEN-GRIFFIN, Sarah FELKAI, Chelsea MOLES, Rebekah PHAM, Lily PLUNKETT, Warwick ROSE, Lachlan
QLD Branch – 10 positions	BERRILL, Carli BUCKLEY, James CARSON, Susan FREEMAN, Christopher KNOWLES, Hannah LAU, Esther MACDONALD, Shane ROBERTS, Tim TOTTERMAN, Bridget WRIGHT, Karla
SA/NT Branch – 10 positions	ANGLEY, Manya JOHNS, Robyn KARDACHI, Grant KEITAANPAA, Sam MILL, Deanna Nicole NILAND, Colleen SEDA, Veronika SLUGGETT, Andrew SOULSBY, Natalie SPEARE, Tobias
TAS Branch – 9 positions	BREEN, Juanita CRAWN, Jackson JACKSON, Shane MAGILL, Ian MCLENNAN, Dana PEACHEY, David TODD, Anne VAN TIENEN, Ella WILLIAMS, Mackenzie
VIC Branch – 10 positions	APOSTOLOPOULOS, Maria CHEN, Esa DEMARTE, Joe GILL, Taren GOWAN, Jenny JACKSON, John LYNCH, Michelle MARCHANT, Benjamin PAGE, Amy SAUNDERS, Kellie
WA Branch – 9 positions	BAILEY, Travis BURTON, Lauren GELAVIS, Anna OGUNDIPE, Ayomide PISANO, Alyssa PRATICO, Jana SHENTON, Christopher SIM, Fei WONG, Keegan

 

 

Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463

Pharmacists more prepared for COVID-19 vaccine rollout thanks to the Australian Digital Health Agency’s support

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) extends thanks to the Australian Digital Health Agency for their support of the recent COVID-19 Roadshow Series.

 

In recent weeks, the PSA has conducted workshops across Australia’s capital cities to provide pharmacists with the latest information on pharmacist-delivered COVID-19 vaccines and supporting patients with questions and addressing vaccine hesitancy.

 

Digital tools enabling better and safer care was a key feature of the conversation, including uploading to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR), efficient ways for viewing vaccine histories, including through the Clinical Vaccine Integrated Platform (CVIP).

 

Positive feedback was also received regarding improvements to My Health Record (MHR), whilst many showed a keen interest in the best ways to access safe and appropriate care.

 

“The information was so useful, I used it the very next day, as I was immunising patients for flu and encouraging them to book in for a COVID-19 vaccine!”, noted one participant.

 

Mark Kinsela, PSA CEO, reflected on his experience at the roadshow and thanked the Agency for their support.

 

“It was pleasing to see such passion amongst PSA members. The willingness to get involved and desire to get the details right and focus on patient safety was evidenced across all states.”

 

“This roadshow reiterated to us that pharmacists go above and beyond for their patients and appreciate the importance of providing expert advice.”

 

“We were also pleased to see that our members are looking for ideas to improve their processes and workflow with systems like CVIP.”

 

“From our observations, pharmacists are becoming increasingly concerned by the discrepancies in state legislation with regards to vaccination – particularly the artificial barriers preventing pharmacists in hospitals, general practice and aged care from administering COVID-19 vaccine.”

 

“The PSA’s ability to quickly customise our teachings in accordance with the regulation in each jurisdiction, demonstrates our versatility as a training provider and the evolution of Australia’s COVID-19 vaccine strategy.”

 

“We extend thanks to the Agency for supporting this workshop series and look forward to working with them on similar projects in the future.”

 

For further information on PSA-led events, please visit our website.

 

 

Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463

PSA welcomes the Government’s commitment to aged care, but more must be done

PSA welcomes the Morrison Government’s announcement on women’s health, mental health and aged care sector following tonight’s Federal Budget.

 

The Government has announced it will commit $17.7bn on aged care along with $1.9bn in additional funding for the COVID-19 vaccine program. A commitment has also been made to extend funding to the take-home naloxone pilot.

 

Pharmaceutical Society of Australia National President, A/Prof Chris Freeman, commended the Federal Government for their decision, but says more must be done to safeguard residents from the harms medicine mismanagement is causing.

 

“The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to fix our neglected aged care system. Tonight the Morrison Government has laid the foundation for rebuilding our aged care system from the ground up. Person-focussed care and collaborative care teams need to be at the centre of this reconstruction.”

 

“More must be done to reduce avoidable hospital admissions and deaths caused by medicines and help to restore faith and trust in the aged care sector.”

 

“Residents in aged care facilities deserve to have timely and regular access to the expertise of a pharmacist if they require advice and support with their medicines and medicine management.”

 

“Having pharmacists on-the-ground within aged care facilities must happen if we are serious about improving medicine management and resident safety in our aged care facilities.”

 

“Pharmacists, as the custodians of medicine safety, must play a key role in bridging the divide between health care and aged care, to reduce harmful medicine use and improve quality of life for older Australians.”

 

PSA is committed to working with the government to tackle the challenges of reducing medicine-related harm in aged care and the wider Australian community.

 

Background

PSA’s reports, Medicine Safety: Take Care and Medicine Safety: Aged Care, found that:

• 98% of residents in a residential aged care facility have at least one medicine-related problem;
• Over half are exposed to at least one potentially inappropriate medicine;

• 6% were administered at least one potentially hazardous medicine combination;
• 50% of people with dementia are given medicines with anticholinergic properties, worsening confusion and other dementia symptoms;

• 20% of unplanned hospital admissions for aged care residents are due to inappropriate medicine use;
• Many of our aged care residents have faced dangerous and life-threatening drug interactions;
• Half of residents are taking medicines that cause sedation or confusion, with 20% taking antipsychotics and more than half are taking medicines for far too long;
• Between July 2000 and July 2013 there were 30 coronial investigations into medicine-related deaths in aged care facilities;
  • In nine cases, deaths occurred due to administration errors – in four cases medication was given to the wrong person; and in four other cases, monitoring errors resulted in a failure to recognise the signs of toxicity.

 

Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463