New South Wales expands the role of community pharmacists

6 September 2024 

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The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the announcement from New South Wales Health Minister Ryan Park, improving access to medicines through the expansion of pharmacists’ scope of practice in NSW.

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The NSW Government will enable pharmacists to provide treatment for a broader range of common and mild conditions, including ear infections, nausea and vomiting, reflux, acne, muscle pain and wound management.

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PSA NSW President Luke Kelly FPS welcomed the decision which will allow pharmacists to improve access to healthcare across the state.

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“PSA has long advocated for expanding pharmacists’ scope of practice in NSW, and we are grateful for the trust placed in pharmacists by the NSW Government following the success of the NSW Pharmacy Trial,” Mr Kelly said

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“It is encouraging to see pharmacists’ accessibility and skills leveraged to provide NSW residents with more timely and accessible health care for a broader range of conditions. This will make our health system more efficient and safer.’’

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“The recognition of Queensland trained pharmacists being able to offer these services in NSW is a positive step. National harmonisation of training requirements will cut red tape and enable more pharmacists to deliver essential services to their communities.”

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“PSA will continue to work collaboratively with Minister Park and the NSW Government to ensure these services are implemented professionally, effectively and safely.” he said.

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PSA National President, Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS commended the NSW Government for recognising pharmacists’ expertise as pharmacists continue to play a vital role in supporting community health.

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“PSA supports improving timely and equitable access to care for all Australians through the expansion of prescribing by pharmacists in a rigorous, robust and responsible manner,” said A/Prof Sim.

 

“PSA remains committed to preparing the workforce by providing training, education, and practice support to upskill pharmacists, ensuring they are equipped to deliver these services effectively.”

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“This announcement follows the launch of Pharmacists in 2030, PSA’s vision for the future of pharmacist practice.  Expanding pharmacists’ scope to deliver greater access to healthcare to address unmet health needs is a key step towards realising this vision.”

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PSA’s Pharmacists in 2030 vision can be found here: https://www.psa.org.au/advocacy/working-for-our-profession/pharmacists_in_2030/ 

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International Overdose Awareness Day: Addressing the Emergence of Nitazines and Enhancing Access to Naloxone through Pharmacies

30 August 2024

 

As International Overdose Awareness Day on 31 August approaches, it is a reminder of the critical importance of raising awareness about overdose prevention, reducing stigma around drug-related deaths and acknowledging the loss of families affected by substance use disorder.

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This year the focus of pharmacists extends to new and emerging challenges, including the emergence of nitazines in Australia and the continued efforts to expand life-saving measures, such as the Take Home Naloxone program.

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Emergence of Nitazines in Australia

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In recent months, there has been an increase in the detection of nitazines in Australia.

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Nitazines are a group of synthetic opioids which are significantly more potent than fentanyl, posing a heightened risk of overdose and death. Nitazines have been found in a variety of illicit drugs, including non-opioid substances, and in many cases, people have unknowingly consumed them.

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The introduction of nitazines has been noted in several reports and the threat they pose underscores the need for increased vigilance, public education and proactive measures to prevent overdoses.

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Take Home Naloxone Program: A Life-Saving Initiative

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The federal Government has expanded the Take Home Naloxone program, fully funding the availability of naloxone and ensuring there are no out-of-pocket costs for people who may experience  or witness an overdose.

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This initiative is a critical step in reducing overdose deaths, ensuring that individuals at risk of opioid overdose, their friends and family members have ready access to this life-saving medication.

 

Community pharmacists play a vital role in the program’s success, serving as accessible points for the distribution of naloxone. However, only around two thirds of Australian pharmacies are currently stocking this critical medicine.

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By increasing access to naloxone, more Australians can be empowered to respond effectively in the event of an overdose, potentially saving countless lives.

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New resources to assist pharmacists in conversations about opioid use and medicines safety are available at www.psa.org.au/opioidsafety.

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Drug Checking – an opportunity to do more

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In addition to promoting overdose prevention through naloxone access, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) continues to advocate for the implementation of drug checking services across Australia.

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PSA first published a position on drug checking in 2019 and continues to support advocacy for regulation review.

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PSA supports the introduction of drug checking to further enhance public health and safety, especially because new and dangerous substances like nitazines have entered the market.

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Raising Further Awareness

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PSA’s recently released vision for the profession, Pharmacists in 2030, articulates six actions to realise the vision. One key action is Access to Care, supporting pharmacists to provide all consumers greater access to care by increasing and leveraging their accessibility to address unmet health needs.

 

PSA President, Associate Professor Fei Sim, said “Pharmacists, as medicine experts, are essential in mitigating the risk of overdose linked to both medicines and illicit substances. Whether it is participation in the Take Home Naloxone program or actively contributing to opioid stewardship and improved quality use of medicines, pharmacists’ vital role and contribution in community pharmacies, hospitals, aged care facilities, and other primary care areas should not be overlooked.”

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“International Overdose Awareness Day presents an opportunity for the community, healthcare professionals, policymakers and the media to continue raising awareness about the risks of opioid overdose, the emergence of new threats, such as nitazines, and the importance of harm reduction strategies.”

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“PSA encourages support for initiatives including the Take Home Naloxone program and the adoption of drug checking services, which are vital to efforts to save lives and reduce the impact of drug-related harm.”

 

Pharmacists in 2030 is available to pharmacists and the public at www.psa.org.au/pharmacists_in_2030

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PSA congratulates Lia Finocchiaro and the Country Liberal Party on their election in the Northern Territory

30 August 2024

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The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) warmly congratulates Hon Lia Finocchiaro MLA and the Country Liberal Party (CLP) on being elected to government in the Northern Territory.

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PSA welcomes the CLP’s plan to expand pharmacy services in the community through the Pharmacy Scope of Practice program, which will offer additional health services for up to 21 conditions.

 

PSA also applauds the incoming government’s commitment to implement pharmacist prescribing for uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) in women, within the first 100 days of government, bringing the Northern Territory in line with other Australian jurisdictions.

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​PSA Northern Territory and South Australia Vice President Colleen Niland MPS welcomed the commitment, and encouraged pharmacists to pursue the appropriate training, equipping them with everything they need to provide these services”

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“Empowering pharmacists to prescribe treatment for UTIs improves access to care, improves health outcomes across the Territory, particularly for rural and regional communities where access to healthcare services can be limited,” Ms Niland said.

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PSA’s online training program Managing uncomplicated cystitis (Urinary Tract Infection)is available now for pharmacists.

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By expanding scope, pharmacists can support primary healthcare services through timely and convenient access with community pharmacists able to treat other conditions like impetigo (school sores), travel health, smoking cessation and more.

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PSA is committed to working closely with the NT Government to ensure the program best meets the needs of Territorians and pharmacists have access to the necessary additional training.

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PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS also welcomed the announcements.

“Allowing pharmacists to practise to their full and top of scope makes efficient use of health resources, benefitting the broader health system.”

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“Our health system is under pressure. The time is now to look at innovative models of care where the skillsets of all health professionals, including pharmacists, can be fully utilised to build overall health system capacity as we continue to support our population’s health.

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​PSA National President, Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS is encouraging pharmacists to undertake training in anticipation of their expanding roles.

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​“Throughout scope expansion across the country, whether it is assessment and prescribing for management of UTIs, oral contraception or other acute and chronic condition management programs, PSA has been supporting pharmacists along the way,” Associate Professor Sim said.

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“PSA is committed to focusing on workforce preparation, including training, education, practice support and upskilling of pharmacists to undertake and deliver these services.

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“PSA looks forward to working with the NT Government as part of a collaborative approach to workforce preparation.”

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Pharmacists in 2030 is available to pharmacists and the public at www.psa.org.au/pharmacists_in_2030 

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Pharmacists encouraged to Wear it Purple and provide safe, inclusive care

30 August 2024

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The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is proud to support Wear It Purple Day and stand in solidarity with LGBTQIA+ youth.

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Wear It Purple Day was founded in 2010 in response to LGBTQIA+ youth taking their own lives following bullying and harassment resulting from a lack of acceptance of their sexuality or gender identity. The day strives to foster supportive, safe, empowering and inclusive environments for rainbow young people.

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Mental health and wellbeing outcomes of LGBTQIA+ people in Australia remain a concern with rates of diagnosed depression 6 times higher than the general population. Rates of suicide attempts are 5 times higher for LGBTQIA+ young people, while young transgender people are 15 times more likely to have a suicide attempt than the general population. These statistics bring sharply into focus the importance of providing safe and inclusive healthcare for rainbow young people.

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PSA is partnering with The University of Queensland (UQ) to foster inclusive and empowered primary care workforces through the Promoting queer-inclusive professional identities for diversity in primary healthcare (PRIDE co-design) project.

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As a PRIDE project partner, PSA will offer education and resources to help pharmacists improve the care they provide LGBTQIA+ patients.

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PSA’s recently released vision for the profession, Pharmacists in 2030, articulates six actions to realise the vision. One key action is Equity, supporting pharmacists to meet the unique needs of vulnerable individuals and priority populations to address the disparity of health status through the provision of appropriate and responsive care.

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PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said there is still a long way to go to addressing health inequalities for LGBTQIA+ Australians.

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“Everyone has the right to safe, affirming health care,” Associate Professor Sim said.

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“PSA is committed to empower all pharmacists, through education and professional development, to provide culturally appropriate care to all population groups.

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“As some of the most accessible health care professionals, pharmacists have a duty of care to patients to ensure that healthcare is provided in a way that is inclusive and appropriate for all people.

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“We have an enormous opportunity to improve these confronting statistics and ensure that young people feel safe and supported seeking mental and physical health support.

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“PSA wants to ensure all pharmacists have the confidence and knowledge to deliver safe and equitable health care.

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“I challenge pharmacists to embrace the resources and training available through the PRIDE project to ensure they deliver inclusive and affirming models of care for LGBTQIA+ people in our communities.’

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PRIDE Project leader and Chief Investigator Dr Megan Ross highlighted the importance of creating a culture of safe and supportive environments for LGBTQIA+ people.

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“Building the capacity of the primary health workforce to deliver safe and affirming care addresses a current gap in primary care.

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“Over half of LGBTQIA+ Australians have reported discrimination due to their sexual orientation, and almost 80% of people who are trans or gender diverse have experienced discrimination due to their gender identity. Stigma and discrimination in the health care context can lead to delaying or avoiding healthcare entirely which contributes to greater health disparities experienced by LGBTQIA+ communities.

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“A multi-disciplinary affirming provider network will facilitate access to continuous, trustable safe and affirming care across the primary care landscape for LGBTQIA+ consumers, and we are proud to partner with PSA on the PRIDE project initiative.”

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Pharmacists in 2030 is available to pharmacists and the public at www.psa.org.au/pharmacists_in_2030

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PSA Calls for the removal of vaccination red tape

20 August 2024 

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is calling for the removal of vaccination red tape and for national harmonisation of pharmacist vaccination scope to ensure all Australians have equitable access to vaccination services.

 

The Australian Immunisation Handbook serves as the national vaccination formulary. Pharmacists, along with all Australian healthcare professionals who are immunisers, should adopt this as the national standard for defining vaccine formularies, instead of relying on complex regulatory instruments unique to each state and territory.

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Regardless of location, everyone should have access to the same vaccine formulary at their community pharmacy.  Vaccines should be as accessible as possible to those who need them most, at a time and place of their choosing.

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Reducing barriers to vaccination uptake should be a priority to improve equity and access to the health care system. Australians are increasingly turning to pharmacists for vaccinations. Empowering pharmacists to provide this essential service, in a consistent manner across jurisdictions, will be key to reaching the immunisation target in Australia.

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The approval of a vaccine to protect Australians against the highly infectious respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a valuable addition to the vaccines available in community pharmacies. Residents of South Australia, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory would welcome the availability of the RSV vaccine at their local pharmacies, as is the case in other all jurisdictions across the country.

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Pharmacists in 2030 is the PSA’s vision for the future of the pharmacy profession and outlines a road map demonstrating how pharmacists can reach their full potential over the next 6 years, ultimately improving quality use of medicines and medicines stewardship and Australians’ access to care in an equitable, consistent and sustainable manner.  Removing regulations that prevent pharmacists from administering all vaccines to all at risk Australians would be a crucial first step towards realising this vision.

 

Quotes attributed to PSA National President, Associate Professor Fei Sim 

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“Pharmacists are underutilised in many states and territories, with regulatory barriers preventing them from practising to their full potential when providing vaccination services.”

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“Pharmacists have demonstrated competency in delivering vaccines safely and effectively. Leveraging the accessibility of pharmacists to administer a greater range of vaccines would significantly improve uptake and reduce hospitalisations from vaccine preventable diseases.”

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“Allowing pharmacists to deliver childhood vaccinations, including influenza vaccines, provides Australians with greater choice and equitable access to vaccines.”

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“Allowing pharmacists to practise to the top of their scope makes efficient use of health resources, benefitting the broader health system.”

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“With the Continuing Professional Development cycle for pharmacists ending on 30 September, I encourage all pharmacist immunisers to visit PSA Vaccination Education Hub to help you meet your professional requirements and maintain competence in vaccination services.”

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“PSA offers a variety of immunisation educational resources for pharmacists, including the Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) module and the Vaccination Webinar Series.  The next webinar in this series focuses on promoting pharmacy vaccination services, particularly for adolescents who missed HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccination due to COVID lockdowns.”

 

Pharmacists in 2030 is available to pharmacists and the public at www.psa.org.au/pharmacists_in_2030

Improved access to contraceptive services for women and girls in Queensland

9 August 2024

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the commencement of the Queensland Community Pharmacy Hormonal Contraception Pilot, which will improve access to high-quality and integrated contraceptive services for Queensland women and girls.

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Queensland pharmacists participating in the Pilot can now enrol in PSA’s Sexual and Reproductive Health Contraceptive Service – Queensland training program. Once completed, Queensland pharmacists can immediately begin offering the service to Queensland women.

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The commencement of the Pilot comes just days after PSA launched Pharmacists in 2030, which outlines a vision for pharmacists in delivering greater access to care for all health care consumers by increasing and leveraging the accessibility of pharmacists to address unmet health needs.

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PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim congratulated the Queensland government for recognising the expertise pharmacists to contribute to women’s health through enabling better access to hormonal contraception

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“Pharmacists are accessible, trusted health care professionals who are well placed to assist women to access their preferred hormonal contraception,” she said. “This pilot opens up one more option for women in Queensland to access when considering their contraceptive options.”

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“Women and girls around the country deserve improved access to care. Contraception access is not a luxury, but a basic health care need. We urge governments across the country to follow suit, enabling improved access to contraceptive services.”

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“PSA has been and will continue to work collaboratively with governments and stakeholders to ensure these services can be implemented professionally, effectively and safely.” she said.

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PSA’s CEO Adjunct Associate Professor Steve Morris encouraged pharmacists to undertake training to deliver contraception prescribing services.

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“Pharmacists prescribing hormonal contraception will mean more accessible care for Queensland women, putting patient care first and ensuring safe and effective contraception options are available when and where they’re needed,” he said.

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“PSA has worked closely with Queensland Health to certify our training program which uses case-based learning powered by artificial intelligence – a world first in pharmacist education. The simulated clinical environment uses the most life-like patient simulations possible to hone pharmacist communication and clinical skills in providing more timely and safe access to hormonal contraception.”

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“I encourage all community pharmacists in Queensland pilot pharmacies to engage with this training now so that we can all collectively improve women’s access to hormonal contraception across the state,” he said

 

PSA’s recently launched Pharmacists in 2030 vision can be found here: https://www.psa.org.au/advocacy/working-for-our-profession/pharmacists_in_2030/

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PSA’s Sexual and Reproductive Health Contraceptives Service – Queensland training program can be found here: https://my.psa.org.au/s/detail/a11GB00000Lgbdw

Western Australia expands the role of community pharmacists

9 August 2024

 

Western Australians will soon have greater access to timely and convenient healthcare services through community pharmacists, a move that is welcomed by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) as a step forward in recognition of the need to improve access to care.

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WA Minister for Health, Hon Amber-Jade Sanderson MLA today announced the Cook Government’s commitment to a new expanded role for community pharmacists in the treatment of a range of common and mild conditions, including shingles, acne, dermatitis, pain, nausea and vomiting, and wound management.

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PSA sees an opportunity for pharmacists to better support patients with health services they currently have difficulty accessing; in Queensland, these services – and many others – are already routine pharmacist care.

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PSA will work closely with the Government to ensure the program is appropriately scoped and evaluated. The design, development and implementation of the program will unfold over the next two years, with full operation to be in place by 2027.

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PSA Western Australia President, Mr Kristian Ray MPS said the move leverages the state’s most accessible healthcare professionals to continue providing timely patient care.

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“We thank the Cook Government for its commitment and collaboration with the profession to extend the role of WA pharmacists, better utilising the skills and accessibility of pharmacists to improve access to healthcare across the state, especially in regional and remote communities,” Mr Ray said

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“We hope this expanded scope is just the next step in a bigger journey towards pharmacists practising to their full potential.

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“Western Australian pharmacists have the knowledge and skillset to do much more to support chronic disease management.

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“We encourage adoption of the approach taken in Queensland where pharmacists are already providing more support to patients with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and people with high cardiovascular risk.”

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“PSA looks forward to working with the Government in the development of the program, which ultimately benefit patients.”

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PSA National President, Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS is encouraging pharmacists to undertake training in anticipation of their expanding roles.

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“Throughout scope expansion across the country, whether it is assessment and prescribing for management of urinary tract infections, oral contraception or other acute and chronic condition management programs, PSA has been supporting pharmacists along the way,” Associate Professor Sim said.

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“Pharmacists should be supported so they are empowered to practice at top of scope.

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“PSA is committed to focusing on workforce preparation, including training, education, practice support and upskilling of pharmacists to undertake and deliver these services.

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“Patients across Australia deserve equitable access to healthcare.

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“PSA looks forward to working with the government and universities as part of a collaborative approach to workforce preparation.”

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Specific details of training programs will be provided soon.​

Tasmania becomes Australia’s 5th jurisdiction to authorise pharmacist-led RSV vaccination

9 August 2024

 

Pharmacist immunisers are able to authorise and administer RSV vaccines for pregnant women and people over 60 years of age following a change to the Tasmanian Pharmacist Immunisation Program Guidelines, in a move welcomed by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA).

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The move follows a similar change in the ACT in recent weeks.

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Tasmanian PSA President Mr Mark Kirschbaum urged at-risk Tasmanians to protect themselves against the debilitative condition;

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“RSV is a serious condition in those at risk, particularly older people and infants. ATAGI have recommended vaccination as a single dose for all people over 75 years of age and pregnant women to offer immunity to newborns. I urge those who are at risk to talk to their pharmacist or doctor regarding the benefits and costs of RSV vaccination,” he said.

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PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim urged other states to follow-suit, noting the complexity of regulations around who can authorise and administer vaccines is limiting community protection against vaccine-preventable diseases:

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“I urge all regulators in all states to remove unnecessary barriers to vaccination, including for RSV vaccination” she said.

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A/Prof Sim continued, “currently, pharmacist immunisers in Northern Territory and Western Australia can only administer RSV vaccines after a prescription has been issued. In South Australia, pharmacist immunisers cannot administer RSV vaccines, even when prescribed by a doctor. Meanwhile, in other states pharmacists have prescribed and administered thousands of doses of these life-saving vaccines. It just makes no sense, and it’s placing Australians at risk.”

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“The Australian Immunisation Handbook is Australia’s national vaccination formulary. We should be working towards using this as our standard to define all vaccinator’s vaccine formularies, rather than using complex regulatory instruments in each state and territory,” A/Prof Sim concluded.

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“National harmonisation of vaccination scope will ensure Australians receive equitable access to care.”

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PSA’s vaccination hub has been developed to help pharmacists navigate the complex regulatory instruments regarding vaccines which they can authorise and administer. The state-by-state comparison tables are available here: https://www.psa.org.au/state-vaccination-regulations/

PSA to drive environmental sustainability through appointment of CEO to new climate and health advisory group

8 August 2024

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the appointment of its Chief Executive Officer Adjunct Associate Professor Steve Morris to the to the Government’s Climate & Health Expert Advisory Group (CHEAG) by the Hon. Ged Kearney MP, Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care.

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The appointment was announced just days after PSA launched Pharmacists in 2030, which outlined the need for pharmacists to be supported to incorporate environmental sustainability improvements in their workplaces, including energy efficiency, waste reduction and deprescribing.

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Adj A/Prof Steve Morris said that the establishment of the advisory group was an opportunity for the entire health sector to come together to limit the negative impacts of climate change on health and wellbeing of Australians.

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“Sustainability is important for overall wellbeing of individuals, the community and the world in which we live,’ he said.

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“The provision of healthcare makes a bigger impact on the climate than many of us realise. For example, healthcare contributes 7 per cent of Australia’s total carbon emissions. This is greater than the total carbon emissions from my home state of South Australia.”

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“With health and wellbeing of patients being primary concerns of pharmacists, we all have a professional obligation to limit the negative health impacts caused by climate change through direct action, leadership and patient support.”

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Adj A/Prof Morris thanked the Assistant Minister for her leadership on this issue.

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“I am delighted to be able to contribute to this important advisory group,” Adj A/Prof Morris said.

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“I look forward to working with Assistant Minister Kearney, Chief Medical Officer Professor Paul Kelly, other health sector leaders and consumers to reduce the environmental impacts of healthcare and, by doing so, improve the health and wellbeing of all Australians.”

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PSA’s recently launched Pharmacists in 2030 vision can be found here: https://www.psa.org.au/advocacy/working-for-our-profession/pharmacists_in_2030/

PSA24 closing plenary, PSA25 announced

4 August 2024

PSA24 has come to a close this afternoon in Sydney, with a record number of pharmacists attending the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) national conference.

 

Addressing pharmacists at the closing plenary this afternoon, PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said she is confident about the future of the profession.

 

“Over the last three days we have heard from Ministers and Shadow Ministers, influential department officials, and leading pharmacists across areas of practice and researchers from both Australia and abroad,” she said.

 

“We were proud to have the Minister for Health and Aged Care the Honourable Mark Butler MP officially launch Pharmacists in 2030 in a room full of engaged, passionate pharmacists, highlighting our growing roles in addressing the healthcare needs of the future.

 

“The overwhelming feeling at the closing of PSA24 is excitement for the future. I am lucky to have connected with many members across the weekend and strongly feel that as a profession we will continue meeting and exceeding the challenges before us.

 

“The months ahead will be critical to setting our profession up for the future and ensuring pharmacists have the tools to deliver for patients. PSA is fully committed to support pharmacists – whether it is workforce development or advocacy, members of the profession can be sure that PSA’s commitment will never fade. My message to the entire profession is that PSA is in your corner, supporting you every step of the way.”

 

Associate Professor Sim also announced the dates and venue for the 2025 conference.

 

“I am pleased to announce that PSA25 will again take place at the beautiful International Convention Centre Sydney, from the 1-3 August 2025.

 

“The PSA National Conference is always a highlight on the pharmacy calendar, so make sure you save the date and join us for an even bigger event in 2025.”​

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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 is the only national peak body that represents all of Australia’s pharmacists across all practice settings. We want every Australian to have access to the best healthcare, and this must include optimising access to pharmacists’ knowledge and medicines expertise at the forefront of our healthcare system.