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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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PSA-credentialed pharmacists gain new official post-nominals

2 December 2024

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) today announces new professional post-nominals for members who have achieved Medication Management Review (MMR) and Aged Care Onsite Pharmacist (ACOP) credentials through PSA training programs.

 

PSA is committed to elevating professional practice and ensuring pharmacists are recognised for their additional skills and qualifications. The new post nominals enable members to display their advanced practice credentials in a way that validates their expertise and commitment to high-quality patient care.

 

Credentialed pharmacist post-nominals provide visible acknowledgement of the advanced clinical skills and area of specialisation, enabling pharmacists to be readily recognised as key players in multidisciplinary teams.

 

Post-nominals are linked to the members current PSA postnominal MPS or FPS, followed by CredPharm with the appropriate credentials in brackets. For example, a PSA Fellow who has achieved their MMR credential would use post nominals FPS CredPharm (MMR).

 

PSA’s Consultant Pharmacists Community of Speciality Interest Chair Deborah Hawthorne FPS CredPharm (MMR) is excited that members are now able to have their credentials recognised through the addition of post nominals.

 

“Our credentialed pharmacist workforce is a really passionate and skilled group of professionals. It’s critical for them to be able to have their expertise recognised by all members of the care team, Ms Hawthorne said.

 

“It’s also important that they’re easily recognisable to consumers – we’ve done a lot of advocacy work with consumer groups recently and for them to have a way of knowing that their pharmacist is qualified and part of a practice community that drives innovation and career-long learning is essential.

 

“These post nominals will go a long way to driving public trust and confidence in our credentialed pharmacist workforce,” Ms Hawthorne concluded.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said the recognition of PSA’s credentialed pharmacist members through post nominals is the next logical step in support for credentialed pharmacists.

 

“PSA is the home for credentialed pharmacists, as the only organisation with a track record of consistent support, training and advocacy for credentialed pharmacists across all areas of practice.

 

“We have a long and proud history of advocating for credentialed pharmacists and are focused on how we can continue growing and supporting this workforce.

 

“PSA is committed to supporting credentialed pharmacists in a way unmatched by any other organisation at present. I am proud that PSA continues to be the home for credentialed pharmacists,” Associate Professor Sim said.

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

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PSA introduces community of practice for consultant pharmacists

24 October 2024

 

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has established the Consultant Pharmacist Community of Specialty Interest (CSI), taking the reins from the Interdisciplinary team-based care CSI established in 2021.

 

The Consultant Pharmacist CSI will work with PSA to:

  • Encourage engagement and professional growth among consultant pharmacists through collaborative learning and foster discussions and idea-sharing to enrich the community’s collective knowledge and expertise.
  • Deliver Practical Workshops on essential topics for consultant pharmacists.
  • Gather insights from members to shape the Consultant Pharmacist Conference, emphasising themes like patient-centred care and lived experiences.
  • Strengthen professional recognition and visibility within the field for consultant pharmacists.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said the time was right to establish a dedicated community for consultant pharmacists and thanked the outgoing members of the CSI for their leadership.

 

“The outgoing leadership team have advised PSA on issues relating to consultant pharmacists and interdisciplinary team-based care during a period of significant change and uncertainty for this portion of our profession,” Associate Professor Sim said.

 

“On behalf of PSA I sincerely thank this experienced group of leaders for providing insights into the consultant pharmacist space and informing our work in this area over the last three years. Of course, we are proud to harness the experience and knowledge of outgoing CSI Chair Debbie Rigby, who continues to work with PSA in an advisory role helping lead, shape and further scale up our support for credentialed pharmacists.

 

“Now is the right time for PSA to refresh the CSI to reflect our growing community of consultant pharmacists specialising in general practice, aged care and medication management.

 

“Our CSIs are a forum for PSA members to connect with colleagues, share ideas, opportunities and resources, and grow their practice in a safe, professional environment. I encourage members to join our CSIs and take advantage of the professional communities they offer.”

 

Incoming CSI Chair Deborah Hawthorne FPS also extended a special thanks to outgoing chair Debbie Rigby FPS.

 

“Under Debbie’s leadership this CSI has established itself as an important advisory group for PSA and we thank her for her input and guidance. We’re also very excited that she is staying on as a member of the CSI Leadership group to mentor us and continuing providing valuable input.

 

“The consultant pharmacist community in Australia is going through a time of great change, but also a time where new opportunities are presenting themselves. I’m excited to be leading this CSI and hope to be able to use this role to guide PSA in providing tailored support and resources to consultant pharmacist members.

 

“This is a really exciting time to be a consultant pharmacist and I’m looking forward to using the Consultant Pharmacist CSI platform to help pharmacists get the most out of every opportunity that presents itself.”

 

The Consultant Pharmacist Community of Specialty Interest is led by:

  • Deborah Hawthorne FPS (chair)
  • Kelly Abbott MPS
  • Manya Angley FPS
  • Lily Chong MPS
  • Erin Colreavy MPS
  • Sharon Doolan MPS
  • Joanne Gross MPS
  • Bente Hart MPS
  • Nick Mamas MPS
  • Lucy Parker MPS
  • Debbie Rigby FPS
  • Rania Saad MPS
  • Brooke Shelly FPS
  • Brooke Snow MPS
  • Raymond Truong MPS
  • Kristin Turner MPS

 

The Consultant Pharmacist – Community of Specialty Interest is an exclusive forum for PSA members. Join PSA today by visiting www.psa.org.au/membership​​

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

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Australians encouraged to know their medicines this World Patient Safety Day

17 September 2024

 

On World Patient Safety Day (17 September), pharmacists are encouraging Australians to take three simple steps to limit their risk of medicine misadventure.

 

Each year 250,000 Australians are hospitalised and a further 400,000 present to emergency departments with medicine-related programs, costing the Australian economy approximately $1.4 billion annually. It is estimated that at least half of these hospitalisations are preventable.

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) encourages patients to speak to their local pharmacist to learn more about the medications they use, including medicine interactions.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said pharmacists are experts in helping patients manage their medicines to ensure they are used safely and effectively.

 

“Today we’re urging Australians to know your medicines, the dose you have been prescribed, check medicine interactions, and for those who use multiple medicines, ask your GP about an annual Home Medicines Review which can be provided free of charge to you by a credentialed pharmacist,” she said.

 

“World Patient Safety Day is a great reminder for all Australians to check that they know the doses of their regular medications, and to ask their local pharmacist about possible medicine interactions.

 

“Older people and people living with a disability are more likely to be using more medicines, facing an increased risk of medicine interactions and misadventure. It is priority health populations like these that we particularly urge to see a pharmacist at least annually to review their medicines.

 

“Pharmacists are Australia’s medicines experts, and are here to provide trusted advice to all Australians about the medicines you use.”

 

​More information and research about medicine-related harm in Australia is available at www.psa.org.au/medicine-safety

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

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PSA launches credentialing program

2 July 2024

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has launched its full suite of credentials today, including pathways for both experienced consultant pharmacists and those looking to expand their practice.

The Medication Management Review (MMR) credential and Aged Care Onsite Pharmacist (ACOP) credential are now open for enrolment. Pharmacists with relevant experience can submit evidence of qualifications and/or practical experience as part of a Recognition of Prior Learning pathway for both the MMR and ACOP credentials.

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PSA is currently the only education provider to offer a full suite of products, including both credentials and RPL pathways for both. To continue its support for credentialed pharmacists, PSA is offering the MMR Credential through the RPL pathway free of charge for Professional Plus members.

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PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said today’s credentialing program launch marks the next milestone in PSA’s package for credentialed pharmacists.

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“PSA’s credentialing program is built by pharmacists, for pharmacists,” Associate Professor Fei Sim said. “We are proud to offer a full suite of education and support to our credentialed pharmacist members, from credentialing and all the way through your everyday practice.

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“Our support doesn’t stop once you gain your credentials, we are proud to continue supporting you and your practice with regular clinical updates, continued professional development, industry-leading practice support, and the annual Consultant Pharmacist Conference.

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“We continue to invest in credentialed and consultant pharmacists, not only through a great membership product and leading training program, but also through our advocacy for the future of comprehensive medication management.

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“PSA’s long history of advocating for Medication Management Reviews and Aged Care Onsite Pharmacists does not stop here. We are your voice, we are your peak body.

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“PSA is the home of credentialed and consultant pharmacists – issuing the credentials you need to continue in your practice, connecting you with your colleagues, and advocating for the future of the services you provide,” Associate Professor Sim concluded.

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Leading consultant pharmacist Adjunct Associate Professor Debbie Rigby FPS welcomed the launch, pointing to PSA’s growing support for credentialed and consultant pharmacists.

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“I’m excited to be joining PSA to amplify the voices of consultant pharmacists and the valuable role they play in medication safety and quality use of medicines through multidisciplinary, collaborative care,” Ms Rigby said.

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“PSA’s credentials highlight the strong commitment of PSA towards the practice of consultant pharmacy and supporting members to deliver high quality medication management and care.”

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PSA’s MMR and ACOP credentials are now open for enrolments. Visit https://www.psa.org.au/career-and-support/credentialed-pharmacists/ for more information. ​

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

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CPC24: Nation-leading advocate Brooke Shelly named Credentialed Pharmacist of the Year

3 May 2024

 

 

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is proud to announce the 2024 PSA MIMS Credentialed Pharmacist of the Year, presented at the PSA’s Credentialed Pharmacist Conference (CPC) in Cairns today.

 

The PSA MIMS Credentialed Pharmacist of the Year award recognises continuing excellence in the practice of credentialed pharmacy, dedication to enhancing the reputation of the profession, the development and implementation of innovative professional services, and the enduring commitment to advancing patient care and improved health outcomes.

 

The 2024 PSA MIMS Credentialed Pharmacist of the Year is Brooke Shelly MPS.

 

Ms Brooke Shelly is a passionate advocate for the practice of consultant pharmacy, and in particular the role of pharmacists in rural general practice. She has a growing reputation as an engaging and passionate speaker at conferences, symposiums and other networking and education events, as well as demonstrating her own passion for life-long learning. Her excellence was recognised as a finalist in the 2023 Victorian Rural Health Awards.

 

Brooke conducts Home Medicines Reviews (HMRs) and is a GP Pharmacist consulting at Ontario Medical Clinic and also has a role as a Clinical Pharmacist at Beyond Pain. She has developed and implemented new multidisciplinary models of care for aged care facilities and chronic disease cycle of care.

 

Brooke’s commitment to supporting the health of her community and all rural Australians is second to none. She is recognised as a leader in this space, being asked to present at the conferences as a role model for general practice pharmacists, especially in rural Australia. This commitment is evidenced by her leading a workshop at CPC24 to support other pharmacists in optimising outcomes from HMRs and embedded quality improvement activities. Brooke also serves the profession on a range of PSA committees, including on the Victorian Branch Committee and the Board of the Pharmaceutical Society of Victoria.

 

Ms Shelly’s broad range of innovative services span across general practice, disability services, aboriginal health services, pain management, telehealth and multidisciplinary team-based care significantly enhances the reputation of credentialed pharmacists. She has a particular focus on rural areas of practice, raising awareness on the scope and work of credentialed pharmacist, within the pharmacist community and general practice. Brooke assists in the training of the GP registrars in the CDM space and enjoys overseeing the PIP QI program, making her an invaluable asset to GPs and general practice. She is incredibly generous in sharing her experiences, challenges and innovative solutions in various pharmacist groups, social media and educational events.

 

Brooke has provided a significant contribution to the development of consultant pharmacy in Australia through her practice in a general practice in a rural area. and as a champion for multidisciplinary care. Brooke is an outstanding role model for pharmacy students, and established and developing practitioners.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS presented the award to Ms Shelly at CPC24 this afternoon.

 

“Brooke is a trailblazer when it comes to highlighting the roles of credentialed pharmacists in medication management reviews wherever medicines are used. Brooke’s leadership and contribution has had widespread, systemic impact.,” A/Prof Sim said.

 

“Brooke is a leading national voice for this workforce, where she continues to make significant contributions to the development of credentialed pharmacy through her own practice and as a mentor and facilitator of discussions and support.

 

“Over the years, Brooke has been as a strong advocate for interdisciplinary collaboration. Brooke actively facilitates and demonstrates how pharmacists can and should form a critical part of a multidisciplinary team. It is also through her work in this space that she has been able to garner the support and recognition of other health professionals.

 

“On behalf of the PSA and the profession, I congratulate the 2024 PSA MIMS Credentialed Pharmacist of the Year Brooke Shelly and thank her for her ongoing commitment to the development of credentialed pharmacists across Australia.”

 

PSA also acknowledges the ongoing support of MIMS Australia and New Zealand, and particularly their CEO and Board Director 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

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CPC24: PSA announces package of support for credentialed pharmacists

3 May 2024

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has today announced a comprehensive membership package to support credentialed pharmacists through the transition to new credentials, and beyond.

 

Opening the Credentialed Pharmacist Conference CPC24 in Cairns today, PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS announced the full membership package including dedicated resources and support for credentialed pharmacists, as well as dedicated education opportunities to continue developing practice throughout their careers.

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This membership offering comes in addition to the announcement of the MMR recognition of prior learning pathway (pending accreditation by the Australian Pharmacy Council), allowing qualified pharmacists to transition to the new credential by completing a short bridging assessment or providing evidence of prior learning.

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PSA Professional Plus members will have access to MMR RPL at no cost, and an exclusive discount on RPL for the aged care credential, which is a requirement to practise in the Aged Care On-site Pharmacist program.

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“PSA is and always will be the home of credentialed pharmacists,” Associate Professor Fei Sim said.

​

“PSA has supported accredited pharmacists – soon to be credentialed pharmacists – from day one, advocating for ongoing HMR and RMMR funding, for lifting of caps on services, and for new, funded roles in aged care.

 

“When AACP closed, PSA chose to invest – rather than divest – in this part of the profession. We continued the tradition of a dedicated conference for accredited pharmacists, now called the Credentialed Pharmacist Conference. We brought on trusted and talented leaders and built a team at the PSA to continue to deliver good work to support our credentialed pharmacist workforce.

 

“We established in-house accreditation services, a public directory, and are currently undergoing accreditation of our credentialing process for Medication Management Reviews and Aged Care, which is set to recognise the experience of practising consultant pharmacists. I am happy to again confirm that this process will be free-of-charge for PSA Professional Plus members, making the transition more affordable and accessible.

 

“Professional Plus members also benefit from free access to PSA’s Aged Care Foundations Course – built by some of Australia’s pioneering aged care pharmacists and covering the essential topics for effective practice in aged care.

 

“In addition to education, PSA’s support for credentialed pharmacists is also growing, including access to PSA’s regular Clinical Update, which is a must-read that helps keep credentialed pharmacists on top of emerging clinical evidence from around the world, as well as discounts to all PSA conferences, including CPC25.

 

“PSA’s full suite of support is a testament to our commitment to credentialed pharmacists, unmatched by any other organisation at present. I am proud that PSA continues to be the home for credentialed pharmacists.”

 

Credentialed pharmacists can read more about the offer and PSA’s credentialing process here.

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

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MRNs extended for credentialing transition

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the extension of Medication Review Numbers (MRNs) to support credentialed pharmacists to continue providing MMR services during the transition to a new credentialing system.

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The extension was announced today by the Department of Health and Aged Care Assistant Secretary – Pharmacy Branch, David Laffan, in an email to credentialed pharmacists. The move gives pharmacists 12 months to transition to a new credential, including a Medication Management Review (MMR) credential, and an Aged Care credential.

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PSA is set to offer both MMR and Aged Care credentials, as well as offer a pathway for recognition of prior learning to recognise the experience of practising credentialed pharmacists in line with the Accreditation Standards for MMR and Aged Care On-site Pharmacist education programs | Australian Pharmacy Council.

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PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said that PSA’s priority and commitment to workforce development have not changed.

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“We have been in discussions with the Department for some time to ensure that transition arrangements are in place to minimise disruption to patient services and allow the existing workforce to continue providing MMR services in the immediate term.

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“I’m pleased to see action from the Department to allow these services to continue.

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A/Prof Sim said that PSA’s credentialing program, which is pending accreditation with the Australian Pharmacy Council, is set to feature ongoing support for credentialed pharmacists and those seeking credentials.

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“PSA continues to approach this fast-moving practice area with the intent to support our workforce, and to ensure that the credentialing and recredentialing process is achievable and affordable.

“All pharmacists who have already undergone credentialing will be able to apply for PSA’s recognition of prior learning as part of the new credentialing process.

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“PSA is proud to offer further support to members, including offering the new MMR credential to currently credentialed pharmacists with recognition of prior learning at no cost for Professional Plus members.

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“This is part of our ongoing support for this workforce, solidifying our place as the home for credentialed pharmacists.”

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

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Thank Your Pharmacist today, more than ever

21 March 2024

Today the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) marks Thank Your Pharmacist Day, celebrating the ongoing commitment and dedication of pharmacists practising across our health system.

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This year’s Thank Your Pharmacist Day theme is More than ever.

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The theme acknowledges the increasing role of pharmacists across Australia’s community pharmacy network, hospitals, general practices, aged care facilities and in a diverse range of specialised practice areas.

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Pharmacists are more important to the health of Australians than ever before, everywhere that medicines are used.

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PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS encouraged all Australians to say thanks to their local pharmacist today.

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“Today is an opportunity for all Australians to say thank you,” A/Prof Sim says.

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“Every single Australian has benefitted from the expertise of pharmacists, whether directly or indirectly, in a pharmacy or in one of many other health settings that pharmacist advice is available in.

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“More than ever, pharmacists across the country are providing medicines ensuring that Australians have access to essential care.

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“More than ever, pharmacists are providing more acute common ailments management and chronic disease management services.

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“More than ever, pharmacists are providing more complex medication management reviews and being embedded in more settings where medicines are used.

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“More than ever, hospital pharmacists are championing the safe and effective use of medicines from inpatient bedsides to emergency departments and outpatient clinics.

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“More than ever, industrial pharmacists are developing new technologies to meet the growing health needs not only of Australians, but of people right around the world.

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“Pharmacists, more than ever, are actively helping to improve patient’s access to care and quality use of medicines and medicine safety.

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“To every pharmacist – wherever you practise – Australia says thank you.”

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​To get involved with this Thank Your Pharmacist Day, downloadable resources are available at www.psa.org.au/thankyourpharmacist

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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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