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Permanent expansion of pharmacist-led UTI treatment and oral contraceptive re-supply a win for patients in the ACT

27 February 2025

 

More community pharmacies in the ACT will soon be able to offer treatment for urinary tract infections (UTIs) and re-supply the oral contraceptive pill as the ACT Government announced that services are now becoming a permanent part of Canberra’s health network.

 

The clinical trial saw more than 780 consultations for Canberra women aged 18-64 presenting with symptoms of uncomplicated UTIs, and 176 consultations for Canberrans seeking re-supply of the oral contraceptive pill.

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the move, with ACT Branch President Olivia Collenette MPS highlighting access to safe and timely care as essential pillars of good health.

 

“Expanding treatment for acute UTIs and making oral contraceptives easier to access means more accessible care for Canberrans,” Ms Collenette said.

 

“Community pharmacists are essential members of the health care team, and with appropriate training can play an even greater role in supporting our community’s health.

 

“PSA proudly supports pharmacists with the education and training required to deliver high-quality care to Canberrans. I encourage ACT pharmacists who aren’t already providing these services to take this opportunity to grow their practice with the support of PSA’s leading pharmacist education.”

 

As part of the announcement, Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith MLA also flagged a move to align the Vaccinations by Pharmacists Standard to better align with neighbouring states.

 

Ms Collenette said that this was a step in the right direction, but more could be done.

 

“PSA advocates for the national alignment of pharmacy services, allowing pharmacists to practise to our full scope,” Ms Collenette said.

 

“It continues to be a challenge for our profession when a patient in one jurisdiction can access a certain level of care, while a patient in another jurisdiction cannot.

 

“We’ve seen South Australia really lead the way in recent months, removing unnecessary red tape that prevented pharmacists from delivering certain vaccinations. The result has been a health system that champions vaccination uptake, making it easier to access critical care when and where it’s needed.

 

“Our vision is for pharmacists to play a greater role at the forefront of Canberra’s health system, practising to our full and top of scope, better supporting patients with medicine use. We need the ACT Government, and governments around the country, to work with us to cut unnecessary red tape and make this vision a reality,” Ms Collenette concluded.

 

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

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PSA welcomes SA’s nation-leading vaccination scope for pharmacists and calls on other states to follow

6 February 2025

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) commends the South Australian Government for its decision to remove the regulatory shackles holding pharmacists back from fully using their skills and expertise to protect people from vaccine-preventable diseases.

 

As announced today by the Minister for Health and Wellbeing Chris Picton MP, effective immediately, South Australian pharmacist immunisers can authorise and administer any vaccine within their individual scope of practice, including for the first time travel health vaccines for cholera, rabies and typhoid.

 

Similarly, the government has removed unnecessary red tape regulating age cohorts which has constrained and disincentivised service provision by pharmacists.

 

PSA South Australia and Northern Territory President Dr Manya Angley FPS celebrated the announcement.

 

“From today, South Australian pharmacists will be authorised to prescribe and administer vaccines from the same vaccine formulary as every other vaccinator – the Australian Immunisation Handbook,” Dr Angley said.

 

“This will dramatically improve access and convenience for South Australians. No longer will patients need to wait for pharmacists to review unnecessarily complex legal authority to before safely authorising and administering recommended vaccines, including travel health vaccines

 

“South Australia is leading the nation in scope of pharmacist-administered vaccines, a fact that we should be very proud of.

 

“I thank Minister Picton for his confidence in our profession in supporting a more sophisticated and contemporary approach to pharmacist scope of practice. PSA has advocated for today’s changes for a number of years. I am confident in saying that today, South Australia is the envy of our pharmacist vaccinator colleagues in every other jurisdiction across the country.

 

Adding support to the announcement, PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS heralded the reforms ‘nation-leading’ and called for other jurisdictions to adopt the South Australian approach.

 

“Today’s announcement in South Australia means that pharmacists will be able to prescribe and administer vaccines consistent with their skills and knowledge, rather than be held back by regulation. Regulation should enable, rather than restrict good health care provision. This approach will unlock a new level of care, and should be the standard all other states and territories aspire to,” A/Prof Sim said.

 

“This is a significant and sensible step forward to improve Australians’ access to healthcare which will strengthen our healthcare system’s capacity.

 

“PSA is advocating to regulators in every other Australian jurisdiction urging for alignment of these regulatory changes in each jurisdiction to unleash the potential of pharmacists in protecting the health and wellbeing of Australians,” A/Prof Sim concluded.

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

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PSA applauds Northern Territory’s expansion of pharmacist authority to prescribe and administer a wider range of vaccines

3 February 2025

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) commends the Northern Territory Government for its decision to further expand the scope of pharmacist-administered vaccination.

 

Effective immediately, pharmacists in the Territory are authorised to prescribe and administer a wider range of vaccines, including private market vaccines such as shingles and whooping cough vaccines when not covered under the National Immunisation Program (NIP).

 

Additionally, from today, NT pharmacists can also administer the Respiratory Syncytial Virus vaccine (RSV) at no cost to patients through the NIP during pregnancy from 28 to 36 weeks’ gestation.

 

PSA SA/NT President Dr Manya Angley FPS lauded the initiative, stating, “This development is a significant advancement in public health, enhancing access to essential vaccines for Territorians.

 

“The current measles alert in the NT is a timely reminder of the importance of staying up-to-date with vaccination and catching up on missed doses,” she continued.

 

“By empowering pharmacists to authorise and administer an expanded range of vaccines, including NIP vaccines like RSV, the Northern Territory Government is leveraging the expertise of pharmacists to improve healthcare delivery, particularly in remote and underserved communities”, Dr Angley said.

 

PSA has long advocated for the expansion of pharmacists’ roles in immunisation, recognising the potential to increase vaccination rates and reduce the burden on other healthcare providers. This change will make it easier for patients to access life-saving vaccines closer to home at their convenience.

 

PSA National President, Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS, encouraged other Australian states and territories to follow the Northern Territory’s leadership in this area.

 

“Expanding pharmacists’ vaccination authority nationwide will improve vaccination accessibility and immunisation coverage across the country. PSA urges all jurisdictions to consider similar measures, removing barriers such as limitations on vaccine, patient age, funding and location of vaccination,” A/Prof Sim concluded.

 

PSA remains committed to supporting pharmacists in delivering high-quality and accessible healthcare services and will continue to advocate for policies that optimise the role of pharmacists in Australia’s health system.

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

 

Note: The Professional Practice Standards defines prescribing as ‘an iterative process involving the steps of information gathering, clinical decision-making, communication and evaluation that results in the initiation, continuation or cessation of a medicine. This may differ from the definition provided in the legislation governing the use of medicines in each jurisdiction. Health professionals are advised to review the legislation in effect in the state or territory in which they practice to ensure they understand their legal authorisation to prescribe medicines’.

 

The updated SSTP authorises pharmacists to initiate and administer listed vaccines. This authority does not extend to the issuing of a prescription for dispensing and/or administration of another health practitioner.

 

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PSA set to negotiate and sign new pharmacy programs agreement

31 January 2025

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) are set to negotiate the first dedicated agreement on pharmacy programs with the Australian Government. PSA will be signatory to this agreement.

 

The agreement will cover a range of pharmacy programs that no longer sit within the 8th Community Pharmacy Agreement, including but not limited to medication management programs (including Home Medicines Reviews and Residential Medication Management Reviews), Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander specific programs, and rural support programs that encompass pharmacists in a range of practice areas.

 

The new agreement will see PSA and the Commonwealth work together, alongside other pharmacy stakeholders, to strengthen programs that pharmacists deliver across the health system.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said the agreement was an opportunity to reform programs to ensure they are fit-for-purpose, now and into the future.

 

“PSA is the recognised peak body for all pharmacists, in all areas of practice across our health system. This agreement is an opportunity to reform program rules and funding arrangements to maximise the impact of pharmacists across the health sector,” Associate Professor Sim said.

 

“In negotiating a standalone agreement with the Australian Government, we are advocating for the changes we have long known need to happen, allowing pharmacists to best serve our communities.

 

“Members will be aware that following PSA’s advocacy, the government confirmed in late 2024 that these programs would have ongoing funding beyond the current financial year. Now that there is security of funding for these programs, our focus turns to removing the barriers that have prevented pharmacists from playing a greater role in patient care.”

 

As signatory to the new agreement, PSA will be seeking feedback from pharmacists and stakeholders on program arrangements and barriers.

 

“I encourage every pharmacist involved in these programs to have their say so that we can provide a full picture of the barriers, challenges and opportunities for pharmacists to provide better care for patients.

 

“PSA looks forward to continuing our work with the federal government to secure a stronger pharmacy profession now and into the future,” Associate Professor Sim concluded.

 

PSA consultant pharmacist adviser Debbie Rigby FPS also welcomed the announcement.

 

“As the home for credentialed pharmacists, it’s important that PSA is the organisation leading these discussions,” Ms Rigby said.

 

“I’m excited to be part of PSA’s team, advocating for improvements to these programs. As someone with a deep understanding of the current programs, I am committed to raising awareness of the benefits of these programs and further enhancing outcomes for patients.”

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

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Scope of practice report confirms barriers to care and inefficiencies in current health system – time to implement all 18 recommendations

5 November 2024

 

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA), the peak body representing 39,000 pharmacists across Australia’s health system, welcomes today’s release of the Unleashing the potential of our health workforce – Scope of practice review, setting out a clear pathway for health professionals to contribute more to our health system and practice to their full and top of scope.

 

The report calls for governments to remove the inconsistent barriers that restrict the scope of healthcare professionals, including pharmacists.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS commended the report’s focus on removing barriers for pharmacists and other healthcare professionals as a critical step towards a more accessible and resilient healthcare system.

 

“This review confirms PSA’s view that inconsistent regulations, unnecessary restrictions on practice, and siloed workforces are having a negative impact on patient access to quality health care,” Associate Professor Sim said.

 

“Pharmacists are some of the most accessible healthcare professionals in our communities, yet regulatory barriers continue to limit our ability to provide care when and where our patients need it. The release of this final report is the next step towards breaking down these barriers through a short- and long-term reform agenda, addressing the inefficiencies in our health system.”

 

Associate Professor Sim said that the report’s recommendations present a genuine opportunity to improve access to health care across Australia.

 

“There is a clear alignment between Cormack’s recommendations and the actions in PSA’s vision for the pharmacy profession, Pharmacists in 2030. Both present a clear vision for the future that requires collaboration for a health system that works for patients,” Associate Professor Sim said.

 

“This report recognises the core role of pharmacies and pharmacists as primary healthcare providers and recommends a multidisciplinary approach to patient care.

 

“In order to make the most of the opportunities presented by the report, we need governments, regulators and health care professionals to work together for a strong, sustainable health system that utilises all health professionals to their full scope.

 

​​“I urge governments and stakeholders at all levels to accept and act on the report’s recommendations in full to build a health system ready for the growing health needs of Australians.”

 

A/Prof Fei Sim served on the Cormack Review’s Expert Advisory Committee, representing the pharmacy profession. PSA looks forward to continuing to work with federal, state and territory governments to implement the report’s findings.

 

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

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COVID-19 Inquiry report recognises the need for reform

30 October 2024

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the release of the COVID-19 Response Inquiry and its recommendations, including calls for the national harmonisation of pharmacist scope of practice and better utilisation of pharmacists from the outset of a health crisis.

 

The report recognises the critical services delivered by pharmacists throughout the pandemic, particularly in the quick and effective rollout of vaccination services.

 

In response to the inquiry report, the Albanese Government has announced funding for Australia’s first Centre of Disease Control.

 

“PSA welcomes the Federal Government’s commitment to establish a Centre for Disease Control as part of our national response to preventable disease and to help set our health system up to better manage health emergencies in the future,” PSA National President Associate Professor Sim said.

 

“We have long known that the skills and expertise of Australia’s pharmacists are not fully utilised in reducing the burden of preventable diseases, and that our profession can contribute more to the health of our nation.

 

“PSA continues to work with governments at all levels to optimise the role of pharmacists in our health care systems and ensure that our 39,000 pharmacists are better utilised when they’re needed most.”

 

Associate Professor Sim said it’s imperative that we reduce the red tape preventing pharmacists from boosting vaccination rates.

 

“Pharmacists can and should be better utilised as trusted health care professionals, working hand in glove with the rest of the primary care team to break down the barriers to vaccination, from improving equity and access, to amplifying public health messages and rebuilding trust.

 

“While pharmacists are delivering more vaccinations than ever before, there is still a long way to go to make vaccination standards consistent across the country, recognising that a pharmacist immuniser in one state is just as qualified as a pharmacist immuniser in another state, and should be able to provide the same vaccinations to the same subsect of patients.

 

“PSA advocates for equitable, timely and affordable access to safe healthcare for all Australians, and we advocate for all pharmacists across the country to be able to fulfil our role as primary healthcare providers, to deliver all vaccines to patients of all ages, under a nationally consistent vaccination schedule to meet real health needs of our patients.

 

“Our health system needs all immunisers to play a role in delivering vaccines wherever there is a patient need, whether a GP, nurse practitioner or pharmacist.”

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

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NSW Pharmacists welcome permanent expansion of oral contraception access

26 September 2024

 

More women across New South Wales will soon be able to access continued supply of their oral contraceptive from a pharmacist, in a move welcomed by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA).

 

From Saturday 28 September 2024, pharmacists not previously selected to participate in the NSW Pharmacy Trial will be able to resupply certain oral contraceptives following completion of additional training. Patient eligibility criteria has also expanded to include patients up to 50 years of age.

 

The announcement comes after the successful trial of services across participating pharmacies in the state, with oral contraceptive services now available permanently.

 

PSA New South Wales President Luke Kelly FPS welcomed the permanent expansion of OCP services.

 

“Pharmacists across New South Wales continue to show that we can do more to support our patients,” Mr Kelly said.

 

“Giving our patients the option to access contraception through skilled community pharmacists is an important step in making reproductive care more accessible to women across the state.

 

“This is one step toward better utilising the skills and expertise of pharmacists to improve health care in New South Wales.

 

I congratulate the Minister on solidifying the role of pharmacists in the continuous supply of oral contraceptives as a permanent part of the New South Wales health care system,” Mr Kelly concluded.

 

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

 

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South Australian pharmacists set to boost health care access as scope of practice expands

25 September 2024

 

South Australians will soon be able to access health care for a range of conditions from their local pharmacist, in a move welcomed by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA).

 

Pharmacists who undertake postgraduate training will be able to treat skin conditions, ear infections, nausea and vomiting, gastro-oesophageal reflux, musculoskeletal pain and rhinitis, as well as provide wound management services. It is estimated that pharmacists could be delivering services by 2026.

 

The announcement, made on World Pharmacists Day, follows the successful rollout of pharmacy programs allowing South Australian women to access medication for a urinary tract infection and a resupply of their oral contraceptive pill through qualified pharmacists.

 

PSA South Australia and Northern Territory President Dr Manya Angley FPS welcomed the Minister’s announcement to expand pharmacy services in South Australia.

 

“Our profession is continually evolving to better meet the increasingly complex health needs of Australians, our ageing population and overstretched health system,” Dr Angley said.

 

“Pharmacists are successfully supporting patients with treatment for urinary tract infections, resupplying of the oral contraceptive and Mental Health First Aid. These programs are already showing positive outcomes, including a reduction in emergency department visits.”

 

Dr Angley reaffirmed PSA’s commitment to providing high quality education for pharmacists as scope of practice expands in the state.

 

“PSA is an industry-leader in pharmacist education and is looking forward to further supporting South Australian pharmacists to expand their scope of practice.

 

“South Australian health consumers need pharmacists delivering services through the Pharmacy Scope of Practice program. They need all pharmacists doing more to support safe and effective use of medicines and greater access to care when and where they need it.

 

“We’re proud to see South Australia harnessing the potential of pharmacists, allowing us to better support our patients.”

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

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Empowering pharmacists to meet Australia’s health needs

25 September 2024

Marking World Pharmacists Day today (25 September), Australia’s peak body for pharmacists the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) reaffirms the key actions that form its flagship vision Pharmacists in 2030, highlighting the growing role of Australia’s pharmacists in meeting health needs.

 

Pharmacists around Australia and the world are responding to health challenges every day. Whether this be improving access to essential medicines, vaccination services and health advice, or optimising medicine use for safety and efficacy, pharmacists are on the frontlines of Australia’s health care system every day.

 

Last month PSA released Pharmacists in 2030, mapping the direction of the pharmacy profession over the coming years. Pharmacists in 2030 further identifies the key areas for reform in both practice and workforce development necessary to meet the health challenges of the future.

 

Pharmacists in 2030 continues a strong focus on medicine safety and improving access to care and medicines, also building an increased focus on patient equity, sustainability and supports which empower pharmacists to be the best they can be.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said that the future PSA sees further harnesses the potential of pharmacists.

 

“Australians need the expertise of pharmacists more than ever before,” Associate Professor Sim said. “As medicine use continues to grow and our population ages, Australian health needs are becoming more complex.”

 

“PSA sees pharmacists in all areas of practice doing more to meet these health challenges, and supported to do more for their patients or the communities they serve.

 

“By 2030, we see community pharmacy formally recognised as a preventive and primary health care hub where pharmacists are appropriately funded to practise to full and top of scope and play a greater role in preventive health care, treatment of acute illnesses and management of chronic health conditions – particularly through an increased prescribing role.

 

“While most community pharmacies will remain broad in their health offering to the community, some will become more specialised and focused to meet specific needs.

 

“Many of these changes are already well underway with various scope of practice pilots and changes occurring in every state and territory. These innovations and initiatives have been driven by real patient need and health system demand.

 

“We also see the need for pharmacists wherever medicines are prescribed, dispensed, administered or reviewed. This means playing a bigger role in multidisciplinary health care teams.

 

“Some of these roles will be relevant to community pharmacists, particularly in outreach services, others will see pharmacists embedded in these teams, often being a key conduit to reduce medicine safety risks in liaison with a patient’s community pharmacy.

 

“To the 38,000 pharmacists practising around the country, make sure you take a moment to celebrate your contribution to the health and wellbeing of your community this World Pharmacy Week and particularly today on World Pharmacists Day. On behalf of PSA, thank you for all that you do,” Associate Professor Sim concluded.

 

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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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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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