Palliative Care Pharmacist Training gets green light

26 May 2023

 

Pharmacists will enhance support for patients receiving palliative care thanks to a new Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) training program announced as one of the successful recipients of the Australian Government’s National Palliative Care Projects grants program.

 

The Palliative Care Pharmacist Foundation Training program will upskill pharmacists and improve their capacity to provide palliative care.

 

PSA also will pilot a community palliative care pharmacist service model, with specialist palliative care pharmacists who have undertaken the training.

 

The training will be co-designed with subject matter experts, partner organisations and consumers.

 

PSA National President Dr Fei Sim FPS said the training program came after PSA delivered palliative care education and multiple projects.

 

“PSA has undertaken a lot of projects leading up to this point, including Primary Health Network projects, such as the Palliative Care Access to Core Medicines (PCAM),” she said.

 

“In South Australia we’ve delivered numerous projects for palliative care pharmacists in Aboriginal Health, in Aged Care and in community palliative care services.

 

“These projects have enabled timely access to palliative care medicines and support for end-of-life care for people in residential care and at home.”

 

Dr Sim said the new training would upskill the most easily accessible health professional to support palliative care in the community.

 

“Pharmacists already conduct medication reviews in the home and in residential care, providing critical care for patients on multiple medicines,” she said.

 

“They can provide increased support to patients, carers, including in bereavement with the additional knowledge and skills provided by the training program.”

 

Funding for the innovative training program and pilot of a new community palliative care pharmacist service model was announced by the Federal Government today as part of $68 million palliative care grants package.

 

Dr Sim said people who reported difficulty accessing appropriate palliative care due to gender, cultural, or disability reasons would benefit through pharmacist’s receiving training in delivering care to diverse patient groups.

 

“Upskilling local pharmacists in palliative care will increase the capacity of community palliative care teams, community pharmacists, and general practitioners to provide care to palliative care patients,” she said.

 

“The service model pilot will trial and inform an ongoing model of care.

 

“The pharmacist will increase collaboration and coordination of local palliative care services, reducing unnecessary hospital presentations.”

 

Training will be available to all Australian registered pharmacists and more information of when it will launch and how to enrol will be communicated in 2024.

 

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

Safe access to contraception must be a priority

26 May 2023

 

A Senate Committee report into sexual and reproductive healthcare has supported the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia’s (PSA’s) call for pharmacists to play a greater role in improving safe access to contraceptives.

 

The Report tabled by the Senate Community Affairs Reference Committee, Ending the postcode lottery: Addressing barriers to sexual, maternity and reproductive healthcare in Australia, recommended significant changes to Australia’s health system to make contraception, abortion and pregnancy care more accessible.

 

Among the recommendations are calls for all health professionals to practise to their full scope.

 

PSA National President Dr Fei Sim FPS acknowledged the recommendations, reiterating her support for pharmacist-prescribed contraceptives.

 

“Safe access to latest and safest contraception is not a luxury, it is a basic healthcare need,” Dr Sim said.

 

“Pharmacists are ready and able to improve healthcare for all Australians, offering safe, accessible, and equitable access to contraception and expert advice on their options.

 

“In many places around the world, pharmacists are already able to prescribe contraceptives to patients, giving us a model of care that is improving healthcare access for patients.

 

“To ensure that access to reproductive healthcare is timely and contemporary we must be prepared to do things differently and allow all health professionals to practice to their top of scope.

 

“Oral contraceptive pills are widely considered to be safe and effective medications, with more than 100 countries around the world allowing pharmacists to prescribe them without a prescription.

 

“Pharmacists are well placed to inform patients about their contraceptive options, including Long Acting Reversible Contraceptives.

 

“This is about making sure that Australians can access contraception when and where they need it.

 

“Pharmacists can and should be doing more to support the healthcare needs of Australians,” Dr Sim concluded.

 

 

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

Dr Fei Sim re-elected as National President

26 May 2023

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has re-elected Dr Fei Sim FPS as National President and Chair of the National Board in Canberra today.

 

The Board also elected Caroline Diamantis MPS and Benjamin Marchant MPS as National Vice-Presidents for the term beginning 1 July 2023. Dr Shane Jackson FPS was also appointed to lead PSA’s approach to the Community Pharmacy Agreement and will remain a part of the Board executive.

 

PSA Interim Chief Executive Officer Nick Foster welcomed incoming Board Directors Dr Natalie Soulsby FPS, Amanda Cross MPS and Helen Benson MPS.

 

“I am excited at to work with a PSA board with such a wealth of experience across all sectors of pharmacy,” Mr Foster said.

 

“I particularly welcome new Directors Dr Natalie Soulsby, Amanda Cross and Helen Benson, who are all experienced, passionate pharmacists who bring a wealth of experience to our organisation.

 

“PSA is proud to welcome a Board that reflects our profession, with more than half of our incoming Board being women.

 

“I look forward to working closely with the newly appointed Board and our re-elected President to best support Australia’s pharmacists.”

 

Dr Sim, who was first elected as President in June 2021, said it was an honour to be re‑elected and continue her advocacy for pharmacists during a time of rapid change.

 

“Despite the challenges that our profession faces, I am confident in the future of our profession,” Dr Sim said.

 

“With the support of the PSA Board, we continue to work toward a future that recognises the skills and expertise of pharmacists and allows us to practice to our top of scope.

 

“This is my priority and the priority of our entire team.

 

“Thank you, PSA members, for your support. I am humbled and proud to be able to continue leading you and our profession.

 

“I would also like to thank retiring Board members Michelle Lynch FPS, Warwick Plunkett FPS, Andrew Sluggett FPS, and Deanna Mill MPS for their service to our profession,” Dr Sim concluded.

 

The incoming Board of Directors includes:

 

• Dr Fei Sim FPS, National President (Western Australia)
• Caroline Diamantis MPS, National Vice-President (New South Wales)
• Benjamin Marchant MPS, National Vice-President (Victoria)
• Dr Shane Jackson FPS, Board Executive member (Tasmania)
• Helen Benson MPS, Board Director (New South Wales)
• Amanda Cross MPS, Board Director (Victoria)
• Mark Naunton MPS, Board Director (Australian Capital Territory)
• Dr Natalie Soulsby FPS, Board Director (South Australia)
• Bridget Totterman MPS, Board Director (Queensland)

 

New appointments will commence on 1 July 2023.

 

 

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

Vale John Daffey FPS

25 May 2023

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former National President John Daffey FPS.   

 

Mr Daffey served as PSA’s National President between 2000 and 2001, on top of his 15 years of service on PSA’s Victorian Branch from 1987 to 2002.   

 

PSA National President Dr Fei Sim FPS expressed her deepest condolences to Mr Daffey’s colleagues, family, friends and loved ones.   

 

“John made many valuable contributions to our profession, both as a community pharmacist and as a national leader,” Dr Sim said.   

 

“John is well known for his leadership and collegiality throughout negotiations for the 3rd Community Pharmacy Agreement, working collaboratively with the Pharmacy Guild of Australia to get the best outcomes for Australian pharmacists and patients.  

 

 

“His loss comes at a difficult time for pharmacists around Australia, and there has never been a more important time for our profession to unite in John’s spirit of solidarity.  

 

“On behalf of the pharmacy profession, my deepest condolences are with the Daffey family, their friends, and many colleagues in Victoria,” Dr Sim concluded. 

 

 

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

Incoming Health Minister has opportunity to lead the nation

18 May 2023

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) extends its sincere thanks to outgoing Queensland Health Minister Yvette D’Ath MP for her service and her longstanding support of pharmacists following a Cabinet reshuffle announced today.

 

PSA Queensland President Shane MacDonald MPS sincerely thanked Minister D’Ath for her engagement with pharmacists over her term as Health Minister.

 

“Pharmacists across Queensland are able to do more for our patients and our communities because of Minister D’Ath’s work in the Health portfolio,” Mr MacDonald said.

 

“Since taking on the Health portfolio in 2020, Minister D’Ath has navigated Queenslanders through the COVID-19 pandemic, on top of introducing Voluntary Assisted Dying legislation, supporting pharmacist prescribing via the Urinary Tract Infection Pharmacy Pilot and North Queensland Scope of Practice Pilot and expanding access to potentially lifesaving vaccines.

 

“Thank you Minister D’Ath for your ongoing support of our profession.”

 

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has announced that Shannon Fentiman MP will take on the Health portfolio from today.

 

“On behalf of pharmacists across our state, I welcome Minister Fentiman to the Health portfolio, and look forward to working closely with her to improve primary care to all Queenslanders.

 

“There is still work to be done to make sure more vaccines are available to more Queenslanders. We want to work with the Government toward a future where all patients can access all vaccines from their local pharmacist, whether in a community pharmacy, general practice, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, or aged care facility.

 

“We have an opportunity to make Queensland the most progressive state when it comes to vaccine accessibility, and we look forward to working with the new Minister on this,” Mr MacDonald concluded.

 

 

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

 

Community pharmacy leader elected as WA PSA President

18 May 2023

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is proud to announce that community pharmacist Kristian Ray MPS has been elected as President of the PSA West Australian Branch, following a meeting of the newly elected committee this week.

 

Mr Ray is a community pharmacist and the Pharmacy Development and Health Services Manager for the largest pharmacy group in Western Australia, Pharmacy 777. Mr Ray is involved in the development, implementation and growth of Pharmacy Services that improve patient health outcomes across the group, bringing a depth of experience to PSA’s Branch Committee.

 

The WA Branch Committee has also elected Alyssa Pisano MPS and re-elected Ayomide Ogundipe MPS as Vice-Presidents, and re-elected Dr Fei Sim FPS as National Board Director.

 

“I am grateful to be elected as President of the PSA WA Branch Committee and thank Lusi Sheehan for her valuable contribution to the role over the last 12 months.

 

“Our profession has faced challenges over the last few years, but remained strong and agile with the support of PSA.

 

“I am excited to work with the Branch Committee team and industry stakeholders to continue to advocate for the role of pharmacists in our communities and across our state.

 

“Knowing the skills of our pharmacists gives me confidence that the future of our profession looks bright, and we are able to adapt to things previously not thought possible,” Mr Ray concluded.

 

Ms Sheehan will continue to serve on the PSA WA Branch Committee. Mr Ray will start in his role on 1 July 2023.

Celebrated advocate elected as PSA SA/NT President

17 May 2023

 

Following the election of state and territory Branch Committees last week, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is proud to announce the election of pharmacist and disability advocate Dr Manya Angley FPS to lead the South Australia and Northern Territory branch.

 

Dr Angley is an accredited pharmacist with more than 30 years of experience in pharmacy. Dr Angley is particularly well-known for her advocacy in the disability sector and particular interest in the quality use of psychotropic medicines.

 

The SA/NT Branch Committee has also elected Adam Forrest MPS and Colleen Niland MPS as Vice-Presidents, and Dr Natalie Soulsby FPS as National Board Director.

 

“I am humbled and proud to take on this important role and will endeavour to work collaboratively with vice presidents Colleen and Adam, Nat as Board Director, and all other committee members,” Dr Angley said.

 

“Our committee has diverse strengths which means we are well positioned to deal with any challenge we are presented with.”

 

Dr Angley also thanked outcoming committee members for their service to the profession.

 

“I wish to thank Veronika Seda for her service to our profession as President, particularly for her work on improving vaccine access for South Australians.

 

“Thank you also to Grant Kardachi, Andrew Sluggett, Robyn Johns and Deanna Mill for their dedication to PSA and to pharmacists across South Australia and the Northern Territory.

 

“There is work ahead for all of us to fulfil our commitment to representing pharmacists and continuing to build on the achievements and legacy of outgoing committee members Grant, Andy, Robyn, Deanna and Veronika.

 

“I look forward to working closely with the entire PSA team to ensure pharmacists in all areas of practice remain at the forefront of health care across South Australia and the Northern Territory,” Dr Angley concluded.

 

 

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

Federal Budget 2023: Community pharmacies vital to strengthened primary healthcare

10 May 2023

 

Australia’s pharmacy profession is seeking a greater understanding of several major policy changes announced in the Federal Budget which will have a significant impact on community pharmacies and pharmacists.

 

Responding to the Federal Budget, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is highlighting the importance of consultation with the pharmacy profession on the proposed changes and their implementation, which will be the most effective way to ensure no patient and no pharmacist will be worse off.

 

PSA National President, Dr Fei Sim said: “As expected, the Federal Budget confirmed that it would proceed with a proposal to extend the time-frame to dispense over 300 medicines in pharmacies from 30 days’ supply to 60 days’ supply.

 

“Professionals who work in pharmacies have been surprised and disappointed by the decision made without adequate consultation, but PSA is seeking to work with government to learn more about how the cost savings from this measure will be redirected back to the pharmacy sector.

 

“In the interests of promoting public health outcomes, Australia’s pharmacy profession must continue to thrive, but community pharmacies can’t be expected to do more with less.

 

“Putting in place a higher level of consultation with pharmacists will, in part, help to offset the consequences for community pharmacies across Australia.”

 

Dr Sim said the impact of the changes is much broader than on pharmacists and pharmacy staff.

 

“Medicine use in Australia is increasing,” she said.

“Pharmacists are medicine experts and pharmacist intervention is critical to minimising medicine misadventure and harm.

 

“Community pharmacies are an integral part of Australia’s primary healthcare system.

“Our health system needs pharmacies and pharmacists, and government support is fundamental to delivery.

 

“The government has committed to the 60-day dispensing, but details around implementation and reinvestment into the profession are where the real impacts will be.

 

“Despite the commitment to expand vaccination and other services, reinvestment should be sufficient to maintain the viability of the community pharmacy network, not a redistribution or replacement of patient co-payment, and patients can continue to benefit from pharmacy-delivered services.

 

“The pharmacy profession remains open and willing to work with the government to help ensure there are no unintended consequences to this policy measure, and no patient and no pharmacist will be worse off.”

 

 

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

CPC23: Deborah Hawthorne named Inaugural PSA MIMS Consultant Pharmacist of the Year

5 May 2023

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is proud to announce that Victorian pharmacist Deborah Hawthorne MPS has been awarded the inaugural PSA MIMS Consultant Pharmacist of the Year award at the Consultant Pharmacist Conference (CPC23) in Adelaide.

 

The PSA MIMS Consultant Pharmacist of the Year Award recognises the outstanding contributions of an accredited pharmacist to consultant pharmacy practice in Australia.

 

Deborah has achieved a remarkable experience and innovation in her relatively short time as an accredited pharmacist. She currently works as a general practice pharmacist at South Wangaratta Medical Clinic and Docker St Medical Centre.

 

Deborah is also involved in many projects relevant to the practice of consultant pharmacy, including as a GP Pharmacist Mentor for Brisbane South PHN program and an inaugural member of COHERENT (Consultant pHarmacists’ sERvices rEsearch NeTwork) – research concentrating on Medication Reviews. She is also currently engaged with Yooralla on a project embedding a pharmacist within their health professional teams and works for Beyond Pain, delivering telehealth consultations.

 

One of Deb’s most valued innovations has been the development of the Facebook group Consultant Pharmacists Australia with over 2,400 members. This community of practice is an active and safe place for discussion for all areas of consultant pharmacy practice. She stimulates discussion on a weekly topic ‘Teaching Tuesday’, engaging consultant pharmacists in

 

The Facebook group has quickly grown to a significant support group for accredited pharmacists and those aspiring to accreditation. Deborah also is the creator and administrator of Facebook group ‘North East Victorian Pharmacists’.

 

“Consultant pharmacists have made enormous contributions to Australian health through medication reviews, including in aged care and patients’ homes,” Dr Sim said.

 

“Deborah has made significant contributions to the development of consultant pharmacy in Australia through her own practice and as a mentor and facilitator of discussions and support.

 

“Deb is an outstanding role model to all in our profession.

 

“On behalf of all pharmacists, we congratulate Deborah on her achievements and thank her for her ongoing support of consultant pharmacists around Australia.

 

The PSA send our sincerest gratitude to MIMS Australia and New Zealand and the CEO and Board Director of MIMS, Robert Best, for sponsoring this award and their ongoing support of the PSA.

 

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

CPC23: MRNs extended until 2024

5 May 2023

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has welcomed the extension of Medication Review Numbers (MRNs), allowing accredited pharmacists to continue delivering complex medication management reviews for Australian patients.

 

All provider numbers (known as the MRN) of Accredited Pharmacists were set to expire on 1 July 2023, ceasing Federal Government-funded medication management services in patients’ homes (HMR) and residential aged care facilities (RMMR).

 

The Department of Health Assistant Secretary of Pharmacy David Laffan announced the extension during his address at the inaugural Consultant Pharmacists Conference CPC23 in Adelaide, which allows Accredited Pharmacists to continue to provide and claim for HMR and RMMR.

 

PSA National President Dr Fei Sim FPS said that the continuation of medication review services by Accredited Pharmacists was a positive step amid uncertainty within the sector.

 

“HMRs and RMMRs are an important tool for promoting a model of patient-centred care,” Dr Sim said.

 

“PSA raised urgent concerns with the government about the planned expiry of MRNs on 1 July, which would immediately and significantly impact patient safety.

 

“Mr Laffan confirmed today that Accredited Pharmacists will be able to continue delivering these effective HMR and RMMR services and Accreditation will remain valid until the new APC standards are finalised or to 30 June 2024.

 

Dr Sim also pointed to PSA’s advocacy on the implementation of the Federal Government’s $350 million investment in pharmacists within residential aged care facilities.

 

Speaking at CPC23, Mr Laffan also confirmed that the program provides for one full-time pharmacist per 250 beds in a residential aged care home. For facilities with less than 50 beds, a pharmacist will be on-site at least one day every week.

 

Whilst the announcement by Minister Butler regarding the change of the onsite-aged care pharmacist program to a community pharmacy only out-reach program was not expected, PSA continues to call for flexibility in its delivery and maximum pharmacist time on-ground in these facilities.

 

“No doubt some community pharmacies are well equipped, experienced and have the expertise to deliver tailored services to aged care facilities, PSA continues to advocate for flexibility in the delivery model.

 

“The profession must be involved in the implementation of the program as there are implications on service delivery and training requirements.

 

“The program must meet the recommendations from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety to facilitate quality use of medicines through the work of Accredited Pharmacists.

 

“We need to maximise pharmacist time on-ground in aged care facilities to undertake systems, governance, operational and clinical duties,” Dr Sim said.

 

“We appreciate that this is a turbulent time for pharmacists, and I want to assure all pharmacists that PSA is working hard toward a viable pharmacy sector that works for patients and our profession.

 

“I sincerely thank Mr Laffan for the update provided at PSA’s Consultant Pharmacist Conference, CPC23, and for his ongoing work with the pharmacy sector.”