Statement on resignation of Natasha Fyles

19 December 2023

 

Quotes attributable to Dr Manya Angley FPS, PSA Northern Territory and South Australia President

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On behalf of pharmacists across the Northern Territory, I thank outgoing Natasha Fyles MLA for her service and leadership over her time as Chief Minister and Minister for Health.

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Ms Fyles, alongside then  Chief Minister Michael Gunner, led the Northern Territory through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, and has continued to support the health sector through its lasting impacts.

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Under Ms Fyles’ leadership, NT Health introduced Real Time Prescription Monitoring, reducing the risk of dose escalation, dependence and overdose of controlled and high-risk medicines.

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In 2022, the Fyles Government passed legislation to address legislative barriers to the supply and regulation of scheduled substances, reflecting modern practice. This has provided pharmacists with more agility to meet the health care needs of Territorians, especially those living in regional and remote areas.

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Just recently we have also seen the expansion of pharmacist-administered vaccines in the Northern Territory in line with other jurisdictions, unlocking the full potential of our immunisation workforce and allowing outreach clinics to offer targeted health promotion.

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Each of these measures has had a real impact on the health and wellbeing of communities throughout the Northern Territory, and will continue to do so into the future.

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I look forward to working with the next Health Minister and the broader Northern Territory parliament to ensure that pharmacists are able to practise at their full and top of scope, providing accessible and timely health care to Territorians.

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

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