Health profession must work together and put patients first

7 July 2022

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the Queensland Government’s announcement that the Urinary Tract Infection Pharmacy Pilot – Queensland (UTIPP-Q) will be extended.

PSA National President Dr Fei Sim says that pharmacists have proven their expertise and professionalism during the Queensland pilot.  

“PSA is proud to continue working with the Queensland Government to extend the pilot. This pilot allowed thousands of Queensland women to get timely access to treatments for uncomplicated UTIs from their local pharmacist.

“The Queensland University of Technology’s final report on the pilot found that pharmacists have the appropriate skills, competencies, and training to manage the empiric treatment of uncomplicated UTIs in the community pharmacy,” she said.

“PSA has worked with Queensland Health to ensure appropriate clinical governance measures in the trial to support safe and effective patient care. The outcomes described in the evaluation report show these worked and serve as a model for broader rollout in the future.

PSA strongly rejects comments made today by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP).

“Pharmacists are registered health professionals with the same ethical and moral obligations as doctors,” Dr Sim said.

“Community pharmacies are not ‘unsupervised retail settings’ – they are primary healthcare destinations, as well as the most accessible healthcare setting in Australia.

“Pharmacists undergo a minimum of five-years’ training, as well as additional education and training for this very trial, so that they can provide the best possible care to their patients.

“Measures like pharmacist vaccination and the UTI pilot help free up precious doctor’s time for complex chronic disease management and more complex presentations.

“We have a health system that is approaching breaking point. The health profession needs to work together to support patients as their health needs become more complex. This includes reducing duplication and empowering patients with self-care.

“Working together means putting aside turf wars and finding better ways to support patients. PSA will not apologise for our commitment to timely access to care. We remain committed to working collaboratively with the entire health sector to deliver best outcomes for patients.”

Media contact: Georgia Clarke 0487 922 176

Access to antivirals key to tackling next COVID-19 wave

5 July 2022

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) National President Dr Fei Sim is calling on governments to do more to protect the community and prepare for an increasing number of COVID-19 infections and hospitalisations by improving access to antiviral medicines.

Dr Sim says that governments – at both state/territory and federal levels – must take a pragmatic approach to ensure high-risk patients have timely access to antivirals, to avoid the shortages and last-minute policy-making that Australia saw with the rollouts of COVID-19 vaccines and Rapid Antigen Tests.

“We cannot sit and wait for infections and hospitalisations to rise further – governments must act now. Timely access to antivirals is critical to reduce the severity of COVID-19 infection and limiting complications.

“Governments must develop a process to triage high-risk patients, refer them to a prescriber, and ensure rapid supply. What is clear is that early access to antivirals leads to far better patient outcomes.

Dr Sim says that community pharmacists in Scotland have been able to supply antivirals like molnupiravir to high-risk COVID-19 patients since January 2022.

“Scotland’s utilisation of the pharmacist workforce to provide timely access to antivirals has had very positive impact on the health of patients who are at risk of hospitalisation or death due to COVID-19.

“It is incumbent upon the Federal Government to raise awareness with the general public of the importance of seeking antiviral treatment early.”

PSA is also calling on the Federal Government to restore funding for pharmacies to provide the COVID-19 Home Medicine Service in response to increasing infections.

“With rising petrol prices and supply costs, pharmacies cannot afford to continue providing these services for free. Restoring this funding would allow pharmacies to deliver antivirals to COVID-19 positive patients safely and quickly.

“I would like to remind all Australians to wear a mask when visiting their local pharmacy. It’s crucial that we continue to protect our frontline healthcare workers and vulnerable patients at this time.

“For many Australians, pharmacies are the first stop when they are feeling ill. It’s also where immunocompromised and high-risk patients need to go to collect their essential medicines. Please help protect your community by wearing a mask when you visit a pharmacy.”

Dr Sim has also called for frontline health workers, including pharmacists, to be eligible to receive a fourth dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

“As some of the first to be vaccinated, health workers are more exposed than many to waning protection over time. Expanding the booster program to include pharmacists and other healthcare workers is the next necessary step.

“PSA is ready to work with the Federal government and all state and territory governments to ensure the safety of our communities, as well as our pharmacists.”

Media contact: Georgia Clarke 0487 922 176

PSA welcomes fast-tracked UTas Pharmacy program

1 July 2022

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the University of Tasmania’s announcement of a three-year Bachelor of Pharmacy with Honours program set to begin in 2023.

The new program will deliver the same volume of learning as four-year programs and is the first of its kind in Australia. PSA Tasmania President David Peachey says the new program will accelerate more young pharmacists into the profession.

“Pharmacists have struggled with workforce capacity since the beginning of the pandemic, and as the role of pharmacists evolves, the profession needs to expand,” he said.

“This new program will give pharmacy students the opportunity to accelerate their learning and get into pharmacy sooner.

Mr Peachey said that while this program will be attractive to some students, greater focus needs to be put on attracting students to the profession.

“We need to encourage more students to take up pharmacy degrees by making a career as a pharmacist more attractive.

“PSA has been working with governments to improve conditions and remuneration for pharmacists that better reflects their standing in the healthcare system as well as their expertise, training, and skills.

“Being a pharmacist is a very rewarding career and PSA will continue advocating for a career that attracts the best and brightest young minds.

“PSA looks forward to working with the University of Tasmania and the School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology as their program begins.”

Media contact: Georgia Clarke 0487 922 176

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia is the professional organisation of Australian pharmacists. PSA is the only government-recognised peak national body for pharmacists, representing all of the pharmacy profession in Australia.

WA free flu vaccination extension welcomed by pharmacists

30 June 2022

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the extension of the free flu vaccination program in Western Australia until the end of July.

Incoming PSA WA State President Lusi Sheehan says the move will encourage more West Australians to get their flu shot.

“We know that cost is a significant barrier to many people getting a regular flu shot. Being able to deliver another month of vaccinations at no cost to the public makes a big difference,” she said.

“We need to make it easier for all Australians to be protected against influenza every year. We thank the WA State Government for supporting Pharmacy and removing cost barriers previously faced by many Western Australians.

“PSA has been calling for West Australians to have greater access to vaccinations by allowing pharmacist-immunisers to administer a wider range of vaccines.

“Community pharmacists have the clinical experience to deliver all vaccinations, including influenza vaccinations, and often have shorter waiting times than GPs.

“We must continue to make vaccinations more accessible for all Australians and ensure that governments support pharmacists to improve the ongoing health of their communities.

“I encourage every West Australian to get their no-cost flu shot at their local pharmacist as soon as they can.”

All WA residents aged 5 years and older can access an influenza vaccination at no-cost from their local community pharmacy until 31 July 2022.

Media contact: Georgia Clarke 0487 922 176

“Naloxone program will save lives” – Pharmacists welcome rollout

30 June 2022

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the national rollout of the Take Home Naloxone (THN) program, which allows pharmacists to provide free naloxone from 1 July.

Naloxone rapidly reverses the effects of an opioid overdose or adverse reaction and can be administered by injection or via a nasal spray.

Under the national program naloxone will be available across Australia for free and without a prescription, to anyone who may experience, or witness, an opioid overdose or adverse reaction.

PSA National President Dr Fei Sim says that pharmacists will be key to a successful rollout because of their accessibility and expertise.

“Naloxone saves lives,” she said. “During the pilot three lives were saved each day, but with wider access we expect to see an even greater impact.

“As our most accessible healthcare professionals, community pharmacists will play a critical role in ensuring that every Australian can access this life saving medicine.

“One dose of naloxone previously cost around $40, but from 1 July anyone can walk into their local pharmacy and receive two free doses of naloxone, as well as expert advice from pharmacists about how to administer it.

“The naloxone trial showed us that we can reduce the harm caused by excessive opioid use by making medicines like naloxone more accessible and removing cost barriers.

“Anyone taking opioids for pain management, or caring for someone who does, should collect naloxone from their local pharmacist. We can also provide advice about identifying an opioid overdose.

“Over recent years we have seen more cases of illicit party drugs being spiked with acetyl-fentanyl which can cause opioid overdoses even in small amounts.

“We are urging young people who use recreational drugs like cocaine to visit their local pharmacy and carry naloxone on a night out. Your pharmacist is there to provide judgement-free, expert advice, on when and how to use this life-saving drug.

“It could save your life, or the life of a friend.”

Take home naloxone will also be available through non-pharmacy sites such as alcohol and drug treatment centres and needle and syringe programs in New South Wales, South Australia, and Western Australia from 1 July 2022, and in Tasmania, Victoria, Queensland, and the ACT from 1 November 2022.

Media contact: Georgia Clarke 0487 922 176

Pharmacy Student of the Year finalists announced

28 June 2022

The state and territory finalists for the 2022 Viatris Pharmacy Student of the Year (PSOTY) award have been selected, with the national final scheduled to take place at PSA’s national conference PSA22 in July.

During the national final, students will be tested with a real-life clinical situation, where a patient will present with signs and symptoms or a specific product request. Students are then required to use their clinical knowledge and communication skills to identify the most appropriate course of treatment, tailoring their response to provide the most appropriate advice.

A judging panel assesses all state finalists before selecting the national winner.

PSA National President-elect Dr Fei Sim said that the PSOTY awards encourage students to draw on their clinical knowledge and emotional intelligence to demonstrate their skills.

“The PSOTY awards are an opportunity for pharmacy students to practice and develop their skills in the kinds of real-world situations you would experience as a practising pharmacist.  

“I congratulate all the students who’ve participated in the competition this year for their hard work

“It’s exciting to see such talented students entering our profession and dedicating their lives to the health and wellbeing of their communities,” Dr Sim said.

State finalists include:

ACT: Eden Brennen (University of Canberra)
NSW: Chloe Woodward (University of Newcastle)
QLD: Rheanna Norris (University of Queensland)
SA/NT: Irene Stergos (Charles Darwin University)
TAS: Haylee Shaw (University of Tasmania)
VIC: Hannah Barakat (La Trobe University)
WA: Melissa Cato (University of Western Australia)

They will also be joined by Renee Buckland from James Cook University, Queensland, who was the Wildcard winner at the NAPSA Congress.

PSA extends thanks to the PSOTY award sponsor, Viatris, for their ongoing support and wishes all state finalists the best of luck at the national final.

Media contact: Georgia Clarke 0487 922 176

PSA launches contemporary community pharmacy practice white paper

27 June 2022

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is today launching its first contemporary community pharmacy practice White Paper, which highlights three key elements of consideration which form the foundation of a viable and sustainable contemporary community pharmacy practice

1. Community pharmacy workforce capacity and capability;
2. Recognition and remuneration for community pharmacists; and
3. Innovative and sustainable community pharmacy practice model.

The paper was developed by the PSA Contemporary Community Pharmacy Practice – Community of Specialty Interest (CSI-CCPP) Group, which seeks to identify, debate and articulate the complexities, opportunities and challenges facing community pharmacy within contemporary practice environments. It highlights two key roles of community pharmacists as primary healthcare providers and medicine experts.

The group aims to guide advocacy efforts of the PSA, which ultimately supports our profession toward achieving a patient-centred, viable and sustainable practice model in the Australian community pharmacy sector – one that meets contemporary needs of the community and the Australian health system.

CSI-CCPP Chair and PSA National President-elect Dr Fei Sim says that CSI-CCPP’s first white paper presents a consolidated view of the issues facing community pharmacy practice in Australia and proposes direction to achieve viability and sustainability in contemporary practice.

“This White Paper will set the direction for the next five years and drive community pharmacist practice toward a sustainable and effective practice model,” Dr Sim said.

“We have seen significant shifts in the roles of community pharmacists in the last few years, and there’s no doubt they will continue to change. It is important that we look at what is working and where we can improve.

“The COVID-19 pandemic and increasingly frequent natural disasters have highlighted the critical role community pharmacists play in primary health care. Community pharmacists and general practitioners together can strengthen our primary health care system, alleviating the pressure on our emergency departments and hospitals.

“Every contact a patient has with a pharmacist is an opportunity to impart a health message, deliver primary health care, and improve the health of the community.

“However, as pharmacists adapt to increasing community needs, the remuneration of community pharmacists has continued to lag, pegged to an outdated supply model. This continues to put excessive pressure on the workforce.

“This White Paper adds to existing discussions, including PSAs call to improve pharmacist remuneration. It seeks to recognise, restructure, and remunerate the contribution of community pharmacists within the Australian health system and is intended to set the direction for the next five years and drive community pharmacy toward a sustainable and effective practice model.”

The full CSI-CCPP White Paper can be read here:  https://my.psa.org.au/s/article/CSI-CCPP-white-paper

Media contact: Georgia Clarke 0487 922 176

Pharmacist’s expertise overlooked by NSW Budget

22 June 2022

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes yesterday’s NSW state budget, which committed $33 billion in health funding to increase capacity after more than two years of crisis.

However, PSA NSW President Chelsea Felkai says the 2022-23 Budget has missed the opportunity to recognise pharmacists for being on the front line during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The pandemic clearly showed how workforce shortages impact healthcare delivery, and pharmacy is not immune to this,” Ms Felkai said.

“All NSW healthcare workers were on the front lines of the pandemic response, yet pharmacists have missed out on critical support from the state government.

“Doctors, nurses and ambos are entitled to a $3000 cash ‘thank-you’ for their work during the pandemic yet there is no support for pharmacists despite being on the front line of the health response and facing similar challenges to other health services.

“Cash handouts are great, but what the NSW health sector needs is more support from the state government to innovate the way we deliver healthcare.

“The health sector’s response to the challenges of the pandemic has highlighted the skill and dedication of pharmacists, and has proven how much more we can contribute when supported by government.

“PSA has been consistently pushing for the NSW Government to facilitate non-urgent care in community pharmacies, reducing pressure on emergency department resources.

“NSW hospitals have been under significant pressure for far too long. Our pharmacists have the skills and expertise to treat non-urgent conditions like minor wounds, aches and pains, gastrointestinal conditions, skin conditions, and other low urgency conditions.

“Between 3 and 11.5 per cent of all emergency department services in Australia could be safely transferred to a community pharmacists or GP. Not only would this reduce to costs of NSW hospitals, but it would also reduce pressure on wait times for those who need urgent emergency care the most.

“When working collaboratively with GPs and emergency departments, pharmacists can triage and manage patients with non-urgent conditions to ensure that they receive the right level of care, at the right cost, at the right time.

“PSA again urges the NSW Government to invest in the health of our communities by ensuring that pharmacists can practice to their full potential.”

Media contact: Georgia Clarke 0487 922 176

Quality Use of Medicines Advocates Recognised in Queen’s Birthday Honours

14 June 2022

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) congratulates the recipients of the 2022 Queens Birthday Honours, including Victorian pharmacist, George Greenberg, and former PSA Chief Executive Officer Liesel Wett.

PSA President A/Prof Chris Freeman welcomes the recognition of George Greenberg’s contributions to aged care and medical safety both as a pharmacist and as a member of numerous medical advisory boards.

“Mr Greenberg has been an active member of our health community for many years, making significant contributions to the health sector across community and hospital pharmacy, as well as offering his expertise to further the pharmacy profession.

Mr Greenberg was a member of PSA’s Ethics and Legislation Committee (Victorian Branch) from 1997 to 2000, and the Self-Care Advisory Committee from 1994 to 1996.

“I thank him for his dedication to advancing the pharmacy profession and for his years of service as a consumer and patient advocate.

“I also acknowledge Liesel for her service to PSA and the pharmacy profession and congratulate her on her award.

PSA extends its warmest congratulations former Queensland Chief Health Officer Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young of Queensland, NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant and, and former Commonwealth Chief Medical Officer and Secretary of the Department of Health Dr Brendan Murphy on their awards.

“I thank Dr Young, Dr Chant, and Dr Murphy for their service and leadership throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and their ongoing support of health professionals.

PSA also extends congratulations to Professor Sarah Hilmer, Conjoint Professor of Geriatric Pharmacology Medicine at the University of Sydney. Professor Hilmer has trained and educated countless pharmacy students and continues to provide training and education to pharmacists through conferences and educational programs.

“I congratulate all the health professionals recognised in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours and thank them for their dedication to the health their local communities.”

Media contact: PSA media 0487 922 176