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Early CPC24 registrations open now

17 November 2023

 

Early bird registrations are now open for next year’s Credentialed Pharmacist Conference (CPC24) taking place in Cairns from 3-5 May 2024.

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Delegates who register before 24 February save up to $145 on conference registration, which includes access to all education sessions, conference catering, and supplier exhibition, as well as tickets to the Welcome Reception and Supper Club social functions.

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The first 100 registrations will also go into the draw to win back their ticket cost.

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CPC24 Conference Chair Debbie Rigby AACP-FPS invited credentialed pharmacists to immerse themselves in a weekend of advanced clinical education.

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“CPC24 is a must-attend conference for credentialed pharmacists and those undergoing accreditation,” Ms Rigby said.

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“I have the pleasure of chairing the program committee and we have a great mix of speakers and topics, all relevant to what we do for medication reviews in various settings. We have some sessions that will provide updates on programs, as well as therapeutic topics and workshops.

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“Whether you are a PSA member or not, CPC is an opportunity to immerse yourself in advanced clinical education and share time with friends of colleagues. I can’t wait to see you there,” Ms Rigby concluded.

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PSA National President Dr Fei Sim FPS reaffirmed PSA’s commitment to supporting credentialed pharmacists, highlighting the high calibre of education expected at CPC.

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“The CPC24 program is curated by credentialed pharmacists, for credentialed pharmacists,” Dr Sim said.

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“CPC brings together hundreds of pharmacists from around Australia to connect and engage with high-quality education, practical knowledge and skills that can be immediately applied to practice.

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“Each session is led by renowned experts and industry leaders who share their insights, experiences and knowledge, providing delegates the chance to learn from the best.”

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Early bird registrations are now open for PSA’s Credentialed Pharmacist Conference (CPC24).  The full program and registrations are available here.

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

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Supporting pharmacists, supporting patients: PSA releases annual report

16 November 2023

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) continues to support pharmacists in all areas of practice and in all corners of the country, with the release of its 2022-23 Annual Report highlighting PSA’s impact on a rapidly changing pharmacy profession.

 

The Annual Report details PSA’s activity throughout the 2022-23 financial year to support its mission to embed, equip, and enable pharmacists to be at the forefront of healthcare in Australia.

 

Releasing the report, Chief Executive Officer Adj A/Prof Steve Morris said that the report demonstrates the breadth of PSA’s work and focus on supporting members to further their practice.

 

“PSA exists only because of our members, who are at the heart of everything we do from advocacy and policy development, to practice guidelines and education,” Adj A/Prof Morris said.

 

“As an organisation PSA has listened to members and invested heavily in our capacity to support members both at an individual practice level and as a profession.

 

“We are proud to be supporting members around Australia every day.

 

“PSA remains focused on delivering value for our members through nation leading education, ensuring that pharmacists are at the forefront of contemporary practice as scope continues to evolve to meet patient needs.

 

“In the last 12 months we have had over 100,000 enrolments in online CPD, solidifying our place as leaders in delivering high quality education to Australian pharmacists.

 

“We continue to lead the conversation on medicine safety through ongoing advocacy, our flagship Medicine Safety report series, and over 40 projects and partnerships that support the Quality Use of Medicines.”

 

Adj A/Prof Morris specifically pointed to PSA’s significant work leading the profession with quality standards and guidelines fit for the future of pharmacy practice.

 

“We are proud to have launched reimagined Professional Practice Standards, uniting every Australian pharmacist in consistent, quality pharmacy practice and demonstrating the importance of pharmacists wherever medicines are used.

 

“Not only does this change the way that pharmacists engage the standards, but it also supports the continuing development of pharmacy scope of practice.”

 

PSA National President Dr Fei Sim FPS reflected what has been a challenging year for pharmacists.

 

“This is a critical period for our profession, which requires unity and strength across diverse practice areas,” Dr Sim said.

 

“Over the next year and beyond, we must continue to fight for the future of the pharmacy profession, ensuring opportunities for positive career progression in all areas of practice. We must ensure that all pharmacists are supported and remunerated to continue providing the advice and services our communities rely on.

 

“I urge all pharmacists, from students through to experienced and advanced practice pharmacists to join us in building the future of our profession.”

 

 

Read the PSA Annual Report 2022-23 here.

 

 

 

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

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Checking the pulse in turbulent times

13 November 2023

 

Following a turbulent year for pharmacists, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has this week launched an end-of-year survey to check the pulse of members.

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In an email to members, PSA’s General Manager of Membership Jen Steer said significant changes to the industry, such as 60-day dispensing and expanding scope of practice, meant it was a critical time to check in on members and their needs.

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“When there is significant change in the profession, it’s vital PSA stay on top of changing priorities to ensure that members get what they need and want most,” Ms Steer said.

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“As we plan for next year and beyond, we are keen to ensure our work is informed by those who stand at the heart of PSA – our members.

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“That’s how we can deliver the maximum value for members today while shaping the pharmacy profession of tomorrow.

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“Ensuring PSA is delivering benefits for members at every stage of their career, whether they are a recent graduate, an established pharmacist, or nearing retirement, is critical.

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“This is an opportunity for members to provide their thoughts and maintain the focus on what they need the most.”

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Members and non-members can have their say on the survey here.

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

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NSW Annual Therapeutic Update program now live

22 November 2023

 

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has launched the full program of sessions for the New South Wales Annual Therapeutic Update to be held in Magenta Shores from 17-19 February 2024, with early registrations now open.

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PSA’s series of Annual Therapeutic Updates provide pharmacists with clinical and practical information on the latest practice developments in their state or territory. Through three days of education, pharmacists will engage with content specifically designed to be relevant within the regulatory environment in New South Wales, including recent changes to pharmacist authorities and upcoming pilot programs.

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PSA New South Wales President Luke Kelly FPS urged pharmacists from around the state to take the opportunity to develop their practice as part of their continued professional development.

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“The PSA Annual Therapeutic Update is the premier opportunity for pharmacists in all practice settings to stay on top of their clinical knowledge,” Mr Kelly said.

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“With the New South Wales Pharmacy Trial set to expand into the treatment of skin conditions in 2024, there has never been a more important time for pharmacists to learn from leaders and continue delivering quality care to our patients.

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“I’m confident that all pharmacists, from all corners of our state and from all practice settings will develop new skills and expand their knowledge on topics relevant to daily practice,” Mr Kelly said.

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The full program for the 2024 NSW ATU is available here.

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PSA has also invited nominations for the NSW Pharmacist of the Year Awards, to be presented during the conference.

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Awards are presented to recognise outstanding achievements, innovations, or contributions to the community and pharmacy profession.

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“Recognising the skill and dedication of pharmacists is an important part of our role in promoting excellence in pharmacy practice,” Mr Kelly said.

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“There are many examples of pharmacists who continue to go above and beyond for patients and for our profession and it is great to be able to recognise some of them in this way.

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“I encourage all New South Wales members to recognise the achievements of our fellow pharmacists by making a nomination for the 2024 awards,” Mr Kelly concluded.

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Nominations are available here, and close on 19 November 2023.

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Event details

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  • 17-19 February 2024
  • Pullman Magenta Shores, New South Wales
  • Super early bird registrations open until 22 November 2023 (Professional Plus members save up to 50% on registration price)
  • Register here

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

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Vaccine certainty protects Queenslanders

2 November 2023

 

Queensland Health Minister Shannon Fentiman MP has today announced that the Queensland Government will invest $40 million to ensure every Queenslander will have access free influenza vaccinations in 2024.

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Under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) children aged six months to five years, pregnant women, people aged 65 and over, First Nations people and those with certain medical conditions can access no-cost vaccinations, while Australians outside of these groups pay a private fee to receive an influenza vaccination.

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PSA Queensland President Shane MacDonald MPS welcomed the announcement.

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“Removing cost barriers and giving Queenslanders greater access to vaccines is a great first step to improving vaccine uptake,” Mr MacDonald said.

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“Queensland still falls behind national influenza coverage in almost every age group, an ongoing challenge that needs action from the whole health system, including government and all healthcare professionals.

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“This is a common-sense approach to improving vaccination coverage.

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“Funding certainty ahead of the 2024 flu season will mean that pharmacists can adequately prepare and meet increased demand.

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“Knowing that every patient will have access to a vaccination at no cost, pharmacists can start having conversations now to encourage our patients to get their vaccine before the start of flu season.”

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

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Queensland leading nation on pharmacist vaccination scope

30 October 2023

 

Queensland is continuing to lead the nation on vaccination policy, with Health Minister the Hon. Shannon Fentiman MP today announcing expanded vaccination scope for Queensland pharmacists from 30 October 2023.

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The new Extended Practice Authority (EPA) will allow pharmacists to vaccinate Queenslanders aged 2 years and older and will also authorise pharmacists to deliver vaccinations in more settings, including general practices, Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander health services, and aged care facilities.

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The new EPA will also enable pharmacists to deliver a wider range of vaccines including:

  • Hepatitis B
  • Varicella (chickenpox)
  • Meningococcal B
  • Human papillomavirus (HPV)
  • Typhoid fever
  • Zoster (herpes zoster), and
  • Japanese encephalitis.

Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) Queensland President Shane MacDonald MPS welcomed the move and the Queensland Government’s ongoing commitment to improving access to health services.

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“Allowing more people to be vaccinated by their local pharmacist is a vital step in not only protecting individual Queenslanders but the entire community,” Mr MacDonald said.

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“PSA has strongly advocated for pharmacists across all health settings to be able to deliver more vaccines to patients of all ages. This is a great step toward pharmacists practising to our full potential to support the health of our communities.

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“On behalf of pharmacists I thank Minister Fentiman for her commitment to improving health care and ensuring that vaccinations are accessible to all Queenslanders.

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“PSA also supports the authorisation of pharmacists to administer prescribed medicines in the new EPA. This is a common sense, consumer centric approach which will support patients experiencing issues with administering their own medications or accessing a health professional to administer.

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“I look forward to continuing to work with the Minister and the Queensland Government to promote these new services to the community and to continue to ensure that pharmacists can practise to our top of scope and best support the health of our state,” Mr MacDonald concluded.

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PSA National President Dr Fei Sim FPS said it was vital for regulations around vaccination to be consistent across all states and territories.

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“At the moment, every jurisdiction in Australia has different regulations around which vaccinations can be administered by pharmacists.

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“Australians should be able to access the same level of health care regardless of where they live. A nationally consistent schedule of pharmacist-administered vaccinations is key to achieve equitable access to government-funded vaccines by all Australians.

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“Our health system needs all trained immunisers to play a role in delivering vaccines. We need qualified pharmacists to be able to administer vaccines wherever there is a patient need.

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“I urge all states and territories to follow Queensland’s lead and allow all pharmacist immunisers, regardless of practice setting, to administer more vaccines to more Australians.”

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

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Pharmacists applaud NSW red-tape cut and vaccine expansion

27 October 2023

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the New South Wales Government’s move to expand vaccination access, with updates to the NSW Pharmacist Vaccination Standards expanding access to National Immunisation Program (NIP) vaccines, lowering minimum age requirements for Shingrix vaccines and removing written consent requirement for COVID-19 vaccines.

 

PSA New South Wales President Luke Kelly FPS said the changes cut unnecessary red tape, making vaccines more accessible across the state.

 

“As a state our focus should be on removing barriers to vaccination, cutting the red tape that prevents qualified pharmacist immunisers from delivering more vaccines to more people,” Mr Kelly said.

 

“I am proud to see years of PSA’s advocacy led to real outcomes not only for the pharmacists who will be able to play a greater role in delivering vaccines, but for our communities who will be able to access eligible vaccines closer to home.

 

“I thank the NSW Government for moving to expand NIP access for our most vulnerable populations and look forward to continuing to work alongside them to improve vaccine uptake across New South Wales.”

 

Summary of vaccination changes in NSW:

  • Lowering of the age range that pharmacist immunisers can administer Shingrix vaccine to 18 years and over (was previously 50 years and over) to align with the eligibility for Shingrix vaccine under the NIP.
  • Inclusion of monovalent meningococcal C vaccine for people aged 5 years and over to ensure pharmacist immunisers can provide a full range of meningococcal vaccines to eligible cohorts.
  • Removal of reference to COVID-19 vaccine following the recent inclusion of COVID-19 vaccine in the Australian Immunisation Handbook to be consistent with the approach for all other vaccines that pharmacist immunisers are authorised to immunise.
  • Removal of the COVID-19 vaccine written consent requirements to be consistent with consent requirements for all other vaccines i.e., that informed consent must be obtained, and documented evidence of verbal consent must be made.

 

 

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

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Vale Valerie Constable FPS

25 October 2023

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has honoured Ms Valerie Constable FPS, the first female President of PSA’s Victorian branch, who sadly passed away recently.

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For more than three decades, Valerie (Val) Constable has helped pave the way to optimise standards of pharmacy education and practice, becoming a trusted mentor to many.

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A humble and highly regarded professional, Val was a leader for women in pharmacy. She was a preceptor, mentor, and role model to many and always made herself available to provide support and advice to any member of the profession who sought her wisdom or assistance. Val’s principles are epitomised by Pharmacists Support Services (PSS), the anonymous volunteer support service that she helped establish, and led for many years.

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In 1991, Val was the first female in 135 years to be elected President of the PSA’s Victorian Branch. She rose above the glass ceiling through outstanding commitment, integrity, and professionalism. For over 35 years, Val and her husband Bob provided patient-centred care to their local communities through their pharmacies in Footscray and Pascoe Vale in Melbourne. She was a mentor to numerous trainees, many of whom have gone on to be prominent members of the profession.

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Val recognised the need for greater structure in pharmacy training and worked with other pharmacists to establish the Chapter of Pharmacy Practice Tutors, and co-authored manuals on medical conditions treated through pharmacies. She was also a Board member of the National Asthma Campaign (precursor to the National Asthma Council), involved with educating pharmacists in asthma recognition and management, and development of the Asthma Management Plan.

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PSA Victoria President Dr Amy Page FPS honoured Ms Constable’s impact on all Victorian pharmacists.

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“Val was a trailblazer for Victorian pharmacists, forging the path for women in the profession to follow,” Dr Page said.

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“Many Victorians will remember Val for her wisdom and tenacity, whether in one of her pharmacies in Footscray or Pascoe Vale, or as a leader of the profession.

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“She has been a mentor to many, inspiring and supporting young pharmacists in practice.

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“Her legacy will continue to inspire pharmacists for many years to come.”

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PSA National President Dr Fei Sim FPS also highlighted Ms Constable’s lasting legacy.

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“In 1995, with a group of similarly minded pharmacists, Val Constable set up the Pharmacists’ Support Service (PSS) to help peers experiencing stress.

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“The profession is forever indebted to Val for her commitment to improving our profession, driving PSS in its early years.

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“Val was a leader who led by compassion and had touched many hearts through her genuine support for colleagues and community.

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“On behalf of all pharmacists, I offer my deepest condolences to the Constable family, their friends and colleagues,” Dr Sim concluded.

 

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

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Pharmacists to better support patients with insomnia and sleep health

25 October 2023

 

Pharmacists will soon have access to nation-leading sleep health education and resources to support patients experiencing insomnia. PSA will work as part of a consortium led by the Australasian Sleep Association, to deliver the Quality Use of Medicines for Insomnia and Sleep Health (QUMISH) project.

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The grant will run over a 2-year period and address quality use of medicines issues for insomnia, awarded under the Australian Government’s Quality Use of Diagnostics, Therapeutics and Pathology (QUDTP) Program.

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The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) National President Dr Fei Sim FPS said the funding supports quality use of medicines as a national health priority.

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“Every day pharmacists are supporting patients with their sleep health,” Dr Sim said.

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“Most Australians experience insomnia at some stage in their lives, with about 1 in 10 people experiencing insomnia symptoms at any given time.

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“As some of the most accessible health care professionals, pharmacists are ideally placed to identify patients with insomnia who need further support.

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“Through education and resources developed with the Australasian Sleep Association and other stakeholders, pharmacists will have confidence in providing high-quality, consistent care for Australians experiencing insomnia.

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“PSA is proud to take a collaborative approach to upskilling pharmacists with evidence-based training on the quality use of medicines for insomnia, as well as other first line strategies for improving sleep health.

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“Pharmacists will have access to webinars, CPD articles and in-person education at PSA’s Pharmacist Therapeutic Updates and national conference.

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“I strongly encourage all pharmacists to engage with this education and recognise that opportunistic interventions by community pharmacists are key to improving sleep health for all Australians,” Dr Sim concluded.

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PSA is delivering education in consortium with the Australasian Sleep Association, the Sleep Health Foundation and the University of Sydney.

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

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PSA prepares pharmacists for Victorian scope expansion

24 October 2023

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has launched its education series to prepare pharmacists participating in the Victorian Community Pharmacist Statewide Pilot.

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The 12-month pilot is aimed at testing an expanded role for community pharmacists, authorising the continued supply of oral contraceptive pills without a prescription, as well as supply of antibiotics for uncomplicated urinary tract infections.

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It is a requirement that pharmacists complete appropriate training, including PSA’s Contraception essentials and Managing uncomplicated cystitis (Urinary Tract Infection)  programs.

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Both modules are available to all Victorian pharmacists, and are free for PSA members.

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PSA Victoria President Dr Amy Page FPS urges pharmacists to complete training as soon as possible.

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“PSA is proud to build on our existing support for pharmacists to maximise opportunities to develop their practice and deliver high quality care to patients as pharmacist scope continues to evolve,” Dr Page said.

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“This is an exciting opportunity for community pharmacists to not only expand their scope, but also to provide accessible care for all Victorians, particularly those in rural and regional parts of our state.

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“These programs empower pharmacists with the knowledge and skills required to make a meaningful difference in the lives of Victorians while contributing to the success of the Victorian Community Pharmacist Statewide Pilot.

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“This is about making sure that Victorians have access to safe health care when and where they need it,” Dr Page concluded.

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Enrolments are now open for the Contraception essentials and Managing uncomplicated cystitis (Urinary Tract Infection)  training modules.

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For more information on the Victorian Community Pharmacist Statewide Pilot, visit the Department of Health website.

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

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The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is the peak national professional pharmacy organisation, representing Australia's 37,000+ pharmacists in all sectors and across all locations, working in or towards a career in pharmacy. Registered training organisation code: 122206 ABN:49 008 532 072 ACN:008 532 072

In the spirit of reconciliation, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today. We recognise that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples were our first pharmacists.

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