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PSA, PDL partner to launch conference volunteer award

21 June 2024

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) and Pharmaceutical Defence Limited (PDL) have joined forces to deliver National Conference Volunteer Program, giving pharmacy students from universities around the country the chance to connect with their peers and experience one of Australia’s leading pharmacy conferences.

 

As part of the program one outstanding student volunteer will receive the PDL PSA Conference Volunteer of the Year award, and a $500 contribution toward further education.

 

National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS launched PSA’s partnership with PDL, welcoming the opportunity to thank and celebrate PSA24’s student volunteers.

 

“Our student volunteers make a huge difference to our conferences,” A/Prof Sim said.

 

“We are proud to not only provide students with the opportunity to experience the conference, but also to offer a tailored volunteer program including an interactive education session with PDL as part of their experience.

 

“We are thrilled to also be able to join PDL to recognise the hard work and dedication of PSA24’s student volunteers. On behalf of PSA I express our gratitude to PDL for their ongoing support of the pharmacy profession, including the future pharmacists who volunteer with us at PSA24.

 

PDL Chair Paul Naismith MPS looks forward to PSA24 and supporting the student volunteers.

 

“We are delighted to partner with PSA for their national conference volunteer program. Student volunteers play a key role in running pharmacy conferences, and we look forward to awarding an outstanding volunteer at PSA24.

 

“PDL is pleased to support initiatives that help students get involved in the profession.”

 

Attendees will be able to nominate student volunteers throughout the conference, with the award presented at Sunday’s closing plenary.

 

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

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NSW pharmacists to treat skin conditions in trial expansion

17 June 2024

 

 

Pharmacists in New South Wales will soon be able to supply treatment for four skin conditions under the next phase of the NSW Pharmacy Trial.

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Participating NSW pharmacists who undertake additional training will be able to treat impetigo, shingles, atopic dermatitis, and mild plaque psoriasis under the trial.

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Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) New South Wales President Luke Kelly FPS welcomed the next phase of the NSW Pharmacy Trial, and reaffirmed PSA’s support for pharmacists participating in the program.

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“Under the next phase of the New South Wales Pharmacy Trial community pharmacists will be trained to treat four skin conditions, making treatment for conditions including impetigo, shingles, eczema, and mild plaque psoriasis more accessible around our state,” Mr Kelly said.

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“Pharmacists are key to strengthening the healthcare system, and through the NSW Pharmacy Trial, patients have been able to access safe, quality treatment when and where they need it.

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“For skin conditions like shingles, acute eczema, mild plaque psoriasis and impetigo, providing timely, accessible treatment is critical to relieving discomfort and pain, and allow us to mitigate further complications.

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“New South Wales pharmacists have already supported thousands of patients with a range of health concerns, including uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections and extending the supply of the oral contraceptive pill. With the inclusion of skin conditions, pharmacists can continue to provide nation-leading, accessible care to patients across the state.

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Mr Kelly also welcomed increased remuneration for pharmacists providing consultations skin conditions, better reflecting clinical expertise and administration costs.

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“Increased support for pharmacists means we can ensure services remain available to patients across our state, at no cost.

“We look forward to continuing to work closely with Minister Park, the New South Wales Government and other stakeholders to ensure we are best responding to the health needs of our communities,” Mr Kelly said.

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New South Wales pharmacists can now enrol in and complete prerequisite training here.

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

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Queensland Budget sets pharmacists up for Scope of Practice Pilot

11 June 2024

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes education funding for pharmacists in the Miles Government’s 2024-25 Queensland State Budget.

 

Today’s state budget commits $6 million to enable pharmacists to complete additional training to support the state-wide rollout of the Queensland Community Pharmacy Scope of Practice Pilot. This includes completion of prescribing training and clinical practice training, and will allow participating pharmacists to treat and prescribe medicines for common health conditions and wellbeing services, making healthcare more accessible for Queenslanders.

 

PSA also welcomes the government’s $72.9 million investment in free vaccinations for Queenslanders, including $40 million to fund influenza vaccines for all Queenslanders aged over 6 months, $26 million to fund meningococcal B vaccines for eligible infants, children, and adolescents, and $6.9 million to fund RSV vaccines.

 

PSA Queensland President Mr Shane MacDonald said the budget gives pharmacists the support they need to prepare for Australia’s most progressive scope of practice pilot.

 

“Investment in pharmacists ensures that our workforce is ready to offer expanded health services to Queenslanders,” Mr MacDonald said.

 

“Financial support to help meet training costs means more pharmacists participating in the pilot, and more services in more communities.

 

“We thank the Miles Government for their continued support and collaboration with the profession to bring the Scope of Practice Pilot to Queenslanders, better utilising the skills and accessibility of pharmacists to improve access to healthcare across the state.

 

“PSA is pleased to again welcome the continuation of free influenza vaccines for Queenslanders in 2025, easing the cost burden of essential vaccines on Queensland families,” Mr MacDonald continued.

 

“Knowing that every patient will have access to a vaccination at no cost, pharmacists can proactively plan now for the 2025 flu season.”

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

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Pharmacists named in King’s Birthday Honours

11 June 2024

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has recognised and congratulated the PSA members and pharmacists named on the 2024 King’s Birthday Honours List.

PSA Life Member Robert Dean MPS of Red Cliffs in Victoria was recognised for his service to the community of Red Cliffs, including fifty years as a community pharmacist.

Farag Gobran MPS of Drummoyne in New South Wales was recognised for his service to youth, to aged welfare, and to the Egyptian community, as well as his service as a community pharmacist since 1970.

PSA also acknowledges Former Department of Health and Aged Care Deputy Secretary, Health Products Regulation Group Professor John Skerritt, recognised as a Member of the Order of Australia in the General Division.

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS congratulated the recipients.

“We know that pharmacists make enormous contributions to our communities, through the care we provide but also as pillars of community life,” Associate Professor Sim said.

“Robert and Farag are two pharmacists who’ve supported their communities not only through their careers as pharmacists, but also through lifetimes of service to their communities.

“On behalf of PSA and Australian pharmacists, we congratulate Mr Dean, Mr Gobran and Professor Skerritt on their achievements and continued commitment to the health of our communities.”

 

 

 

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

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Health Minister to address PSA national conference

6 June 2024

 

Minister for Health and Aged Care, the Hon. Mark Butler MP will again join pharmacists at the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia’s National Conference PSA24, providing the ministerial address on behalf of the Albanese Government.

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In what is a critical time for the pharmacy profession, the presence of Minister Butler underscores the important role of pharmacists in meeting the changing healthcare needs of Australians.

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PSA24’s ‘Pathways to Progress’ will give pharmacists the opportunity to engage with industry leaders, policymakers, and colleagues from all corners of the country. With more than 40 education sessions and opportunities to hear from both the government and opposition, PSA24 is set to be the biggest national conference yet.

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PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said that the Minister’s address at the conference will provide further insights into PSA’s Strategic Agreement on Pharmacist Professional Practice announced earlier this week.

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“At this critical juncture for the pharmacy profession, the Minister’s presence recognises the irreplaceable role pharmacists play in quality and safe use of medicines, and in contributing to improved Australians’ access to healthcare,” Associate Professor Sim said.

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“The signing of the 8th Community Pharmacy Agreement and the PSA Strategic Agreement this week are a clear indication of the federal government’s belief in pharmacists and our fundamental role in Australia’s health system.

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“This is an important opportunity for our profession to hear directly from the Minister about the government’s policy agenda and priorities for the next 12 months and beyond. We are thrilled to again welcome the Minister to PSA24 in Sydney this August.

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“I call on all pharmacists and pharmacy students to attend the PSA24 Conference in Sydney as we continue our advocacy to expand pharmacists’ roles, recognition and remuneration.

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The Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention and Assistant Minister Rural and Regional Health, the Hon. Emma McBride MP, and Shadow Minister for Health and Aged Care, Senator the Hon Anne Ruston are also set to appear at PSA24.

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PSA24 will be held at the new bigger venue of the International Convention and Exhibition Centre from Friday 2 August to Sunday 4 August 2024.

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Registration for the PSA national conference is now open. For more information and to secure your spot, visit www.psa24.com.au

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PSA welcomes 8th Community Pharmacy Agreement, and enters into Strategic Agreement on Pharmacist Professional Practice

3 June 2024

 

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the announcement today that the Australian Government and Pharmacy Guild of Australia has finalised the 8th Community Pharmacy Agreement. PSA welcomes the certainty the 8CPA brings to the community pharmacy sector, and confidence it brings to the viability of Australia’s community pharmacies.

 

For the last 12 months, the community pharmacy sector has had uncertainty. The 8CPA delivers funding boost of $3billion for community pharmacy activities, certainty of funding for dose administration aids, staged supply, MedsChecks and the Regional Pharmacy Maintenance Allowance.

 

PSA has also announced the signing of the Strategic Agreement on Pharmacist Professional Practice was signed in Canberra today by National President A/Prof Fei Sim and the Minister for Health and Aged Care the Hon. Mark Butler.

 

The key Strategic Agreement with the Australian Government contains a program of work to deliver contemporary fundamental standards and guidelines that define pharmacy practice across all areas of practice.

 

Together, both agreements secure the most significant federal government commitment to supporting professional pharmacy practice in history, lifting the bar in quality of care and breadth of services delivered by pharmacists across the health system.

 

Discussions will continue for programs not contained in the 8CPA, including those delivered by pharmacists in all other areas of practice. PSA looks forward to leading further engagement with government in relation to these programs during the remainder of 2024.

 

Quotes attributable to PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim:

 

“On behalf of our members, PSA welcomes the signing of the 8th Community Pharmacy Agreement for the certainty it provides the sector. The funding committed by the Albanese government in the 8CPA is positive for community pharmacies and will result in more accessible care for patients through a strong, thriving and viable community pharmacy network.

 

“In particular, I thank Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler for his commitment, alongside PSA, to continue advancing the profession through a key Strategic Agreement on pharmacy practice.

 

“PSA’s intent through its negotiations with government is to ensure pharmacists are supported to do what they do best – support the health and wellbeing of Australians through providing access to health care and making the use of medicines safer.

 

“PSA’s Strategic Agreement on Pharmacist Professional Practice acknowledges that the role of pharmacists is changing and evolving, and with that comes the need to further develop the fundamental guidelines that underpin all elements and areas of pharmacy practice. This will ensure pharmacists can continue to deliver high standards and quality services which Australians rely on in a sustainable manner.

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“While today is a milestone in negotiations regarding community pharmacy-delivered programs and services with government, there is more to be done.

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“We are focused in continuing our work with Minister Butler and the Department of Health and Aged Care which will define the design, implementation and evaluation of pharmacist-led programs which are not in the 8CPA.

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“We continue our commitment on supporting the pharmacy workforce through practice support and education which has always been one of the core responsibilities of the PSA.”

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Quotes attributable to PSA Lead Negotiator Dr Shane Jackson:

 

“The 8PCA is a positive outcome for the profession and the Australian community. It will help improve access to care in a sustainable manner.

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“PSA’s strategic agreement focuses on supporting pharmacists, and helping pharmacists demonstrate the value of what we do. It provides a pathway to create data and evidence to demonstrate the need for long-term, continued funding for programs we know are critical to the Quality Use of Medicines.

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“Now that the 8CPA and Strategic Agreement on Pharmacist Professional Practice have been announced, we turn our focus to providing a structure for optimisation of programs no longer contained in the 8CPA, as well as new programs that may be delivered by pharmacists.”

 

 

A copy of the PSA Strategic Agreement on Pharmacist Professional Practice is available on 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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WA pharmacists to expand oral contraceptive access

28 May 2024

 

Western Australian pharmacists are set to be able to resupply oral contraceptives to women across the state as part of a new pilot program.

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The Pharmacist Resupply of Oral Contraceptive Pills Pilot enables pharmacists to supply up to 12 months of a combination or progestogen-only contraceptive pill to women* between 18 and 39 years of age who have a stable history of using the pill for two years. Patients aged between 16 and 17 years can access up to four months’ supply as an extension to their original prescription.

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Pharmacists are required to undergo additional training before commencing services.

 

Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) WA President Kristian Ray welcomed the Pilot announcement.

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“WA has now joined the majority of Australian states and territories giving women greater autonomy and choice when it comes to accessing oral contraceptives,” Mr Ray said.

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“It shows how pharmacists working together with GPs and other healthcare professionals can improve the care we provide, relieving strain on our healthcare systems in a safe and efficient way.

 

“This is a step forward, ensuring that reproductive care is accessible and safe.

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“We applaud the Cook Government’s initiation of this pilot, recognising not only pharmacist’s role as medicine safety experts, but also underscoring the importance of a collaborative, patient-centred approach to healthcare delivery.”

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With compulsory training now available, Mr Ray encouraged pharmacists across the state to take up the opportunity.

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“The oral contraceptive pilot is a new opportunity for pharmacists to develop new skills, underpinned by quality education and training and best-practice care.

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“The oral contraceptive pilot isn’t just about expanding our scope of practice, it’s about ensuring that every individual receives the care and support they need to make informed decisions about their reproductive health,” Mr Ray concluded.

 

*Pharmacists providing contraception and sexual health advice for transgender and gender diverse individuals presumed female at birth must ensure the service is safe and accessible. It’s important to verify that transgender and gender diverse individuals seeking contraceptive care are actively engaged with appropriate sexual health services as needed. The resupply of OCP is permitted for transgender and gender diverse individuals, provided all other protocol conditions are met.

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

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PSA welcomes assistance for Tasmania’s hospital pharmacists

27 May 2024

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes targeted assistance for Tasmania’s hospital pharmacists.

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The allowance announced by Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing Guy Barnett MP aims to attract and retain pharmacists practising across the Tasmanian Health Service including in Statewide Hospital Pharmacy.

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PSA Tasmania branch President David Peachey said adequate staffing across Tasmania’s public hospitals is critical to strengthening patient care.

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“Strengthening our hospital pharmacist workforce, ensuring that they are supported to do their jobs, is an important step in implementing recommendations from the 2023 Tasmanian Pharmacist Scope of Practice Review,” Mr Peachey said.

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“We want to see a health system that values the role of hospital pharmacists, and supports them to practice to their top of scope, including through partnered pharmacist medication charting.

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“There is more to be done to unlock the full potential of pharmacists across our health system, but a strong workforce is essential to delivering the benefits of practising to our full and top of scope.

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“I thank Minister Barnett and the Rockliff Government for their recognition of the critical role pharmacists play in our health system, and their continued support for our profession,” Mr Peachey concluded.

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

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Federal Budget makes medicines more accessible

15 May 2024

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the Albanese Government’s 2024-25 federal budget, making healthcare more accessible to Australians through cost-of-living relief and expanded pharmacy programs.

 

Australians will have access to cheaper medicines under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, with a freeze on indexation for at least one year ensuring that the cost of medicines does not rise with the cost of living. On top of this, all PBS medicines dispensed by a community pharmacy, hospital, or approved prescriber will now be covered by the Closing the Gap PBS co-payment, making essential medicines free or cheaper for First Nations people.

 

The government are also set to invest $151.1 million to improve access to dose administration aids (DAAs), lifting the service cap from 60 to 90 services per pharmacy per week.

 

The Budget has also reaffirmed Commonwealth support for the Aged Care On-site Pharmacists (ACOP) program, investing $333.7 million to embed credentialed pharmacists in aged care facilities from 1 July 2024. Critically, the Budget also confirmed funding for pharmacists to deliver vaccination services in aged care and disability homes, actioning one of PSA’s key recommendations in its 2024-25 Federal Budget Submission.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim welcomed the Budget, saying that measures to tackle the cost of healthcare are critical to improving accessibility of care.

 

“Slowing down the rising cost of medicines is essential to ensuring that basic healthcare remains accessible despite the rising cost of living,” Associate Professor Sim said.

 

“Measures like lifting the cap on dose administration aids and investing in PBS medicines access for First Nations people are a step in the right direction, ensuring that support is rightly focused on priority populations.

 

“Closing the Gap must continue to be a priority for the entire health sector. PSA continues to promote measures that support greater health outcomes for First Nations people, including improving access to essential medicines.

 

“As negotiations on the 8th Community Pharmacy Agreement and other agreements continue, PSA is highlighting the importance of funding for the delivery and quality improvement of pharmacist programs to further support patient safety.

 

“We continue to highlight that pharmacists are key to improving Australians ’access to care and quality use of medicines and medicine safety.”

 

Associate Professor Sim also acknowledged the $160 million investment in women’s health initiatives included in this year’s budget.
 

“I sincerely thank Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care Ged Kearney MP for her continued advocacy for women’s health. It is positive to see investment into women’s health in this year’s budget.

 

 

“This is only the start of the journey, and I look forward to working collaboratively with the government, the Department and other stakeholders on this important work. ’

 

“On behalf of PSA and Australia’s 37,000 pharmacists, I commend Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler, Treasurer Jim Chalmers MP on delivering today’s Budget.”

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

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NT Budget’s investment in health an opportunity

14 May 2024

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the investment in Northern Territory health services as part of the Territory Budget delivered by Chief Minister Eva Lawler MLA today.

 

The Budget includes $12 million for design and preparation for a new 120‑bed residential aged care facility in the Palmerston Regional Health Precinct, as well as $108 million for a range of mental health measures at the Royal Darwin Hospital.

 

President of the PSA Northern Territory and South Australia Branch Dr Manya Angley FPS welcomed the investment, highlighting the opportunities for pharmacists to bolster high-quality aged care and mental health.

 

“The Northern Territory Government’s investment in health services is critical to making care more accessible to Territorians,” Dr Angley said.

 

“The announcement of a new 120-bed residential aged care facility in Palmerston is another opportunity for pharmacists to support older Territorians through the soon to be launched federally-funded Aged Care On-site Pharmacists (ACOP) program, supporting Quality Use of Medicines and reducing the risk of medicine-related harm in aged care.”

 

Pharmacists will be better able to support the mental health care of patients across the Territory, with increased investment into the Royal Darwin Hospital’s mental health capacity, says Dr Angley.

 

“Increased funding for mental health services is a chance to harness the skills and expertise of pharmacists to enhance the delivery of high-quality mental health care through optimising medicine use.

 

“We are continuing to work with the Northern Territory Government to ensure that all Territorians have access to appropriate care when and where they need it, including from pharmacists practising across our health network,” Dr Angley concluded.

 

 

 

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

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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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