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Thanking your pharmacist is more important than ever

13 March 2024

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is proud to announce the 2024 theme for Thank Your Pharmacist Day – More than ever.

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More than ever highlights pharmacists’ growing role in Australia’s health care system, and the enduring commitment of pharmacists in all practice areas and specialisations to quality, accessible care.

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Thank Your Pharmacist Day is celebrated annually in March, bringing together patients, community leaders and stakeholders from across the health sector to acknowledge the vital work of Australia’s pharmacists.

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PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said that support for pharmacists, across all practice areas and specialisations, was more important than ever.

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“Our profession is doing more to support the health and wellbeing of Australia than ever before,” A/Prof Sim said.

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“We are accessible in communities, offering more services, delivering more vaccinations, and making critical medicines more accessible to all Australians regardless of where they live. In many states and territories, we are strengthening access to oral contraceptives and treatments for uncomplicated UTIs, and in some parts of the country, providing more care for minor skin conditions.

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“We are providing more medication management reviews, and supporting multidisciplinary care in general practice, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations, and aged care facilities. We are supporting the quality use of medicines in hospitals, working with doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals in a range of settings—from inpatient bedsides to emergency departments and outpatient clinics.

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“Each of these roles and the countless other specialist areas of practice are critical to the future of our health care systems.

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“Thank Your Pharmacist Day is an opportunity for all Australians to consider all the ways in which pharmacists support our health. I strongly encourage all Australians to thank their pharmacist every time you visit a pharmacy, but especially on the 21st of March – national Thank Your Pharmacist Day.”

 

Thank Your Pharmacist Day is celebrated on 21 March 2024.

For more information visit 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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Pharmacists welcome Climate and Health strategy

7 December 2023

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) lauds the Federal Government’s first National Health and Climate Strategy released this week, recognising the urgent need to build climate-resilient health systems and limit the emissions created by the health care network.

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In welcoming the Strategy, PSA National President Dr Fei Sim FPS thanked Federal Health Minister Mark Butler MP and Assistant Minister for Health Ged Kearney MP for their leadership in recognising the impact of climate change on health.

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“The leadership of the Federal Government in acknowledging and assessing the impacts of climate change on the health of our population and the provision of care is crucial, because our health system, and our country need to do better,” Dr Sim said.

 

“Climate change is already having a significant and direct impact not only on the health of our every person in Australia, but also on the way we deliver quality health care.

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“The rapidly changing climate adversely affects the health of the nation. It disproportionately harms vulnerable individuals. And we all need to work together to be part of the solution.

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Dr Sim also reiterated the urgent need for environmentally sustainable practices across the pharmacy and broader health network.

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“As a health issue, pharmacists and all health professionals have a professional obligation to work towards limiting the negative health impacts caused by climate change through direct action, leadership and patient support.

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“Proactively responding and preparing for a changing climate will continue to alter many aspects of professional practice.

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“In 2022 we released the first PSA Environmental Sustainability position statement, reaffirming our commitment to guiding pharmacists in improving our sector’s environmental footprint.

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“PSA has led the way, having implemented measures across our organisation that contribute to a more sustainable future.

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“We all have a responsibility to move toward sustainable practices, whether in the pharmacy or as an organisation – a responsibility that we take seriously and continue to develop and improve on,” Dr Sim concluded.

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PSA’s 2022 Environmental Sustainability Statement is available here.

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

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PSA welcomes CPS President-elect Prof Kevin Batty FPS

28 November 2023

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the newly elected President of the Council of Pharmacy Schools (CPS), Professor Kevin Batty FPS of Curtin University.

 

Professor Kevin Batty has a 40-year career in pharmacy, including 10 years as a hospital pharmacist and 25 years as a university academic. Professor Batty is a Fellow of the PSA and was awarded PSA’s Western Australia Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023.

 

Alongside Prof. Batty, PSA also welcomes Professor Andrew McLachlan AM FPS who will continue in his role as CPS Vice-President, and Treasurer-elect A/Prof David Newby FPS.

 

PSA National President Dr Fei Sim FPS shared her congratulations with CPS’ incoming leadership.

 

“CPS and PSA have a long-established working and collaborative relationship, sharing the vision and commitment to education and training,” Dr Sim said.

 

“Professor Batty brings a wealth of experience to CPS, across a range of roles including pharmacy practice and academia.

 

“As pharmacy practice continues to evolve to meet the growing needs of our ageing population, there has never been a more important time to ensure that Australia’s pharmacy programs are fit for the future.

 

“I look forward to continuing our work alongside CPS and its team of Councillors, under the leadership of Prof Batty, to ensure that our profession is supported by world-class education, starting with our universities.”

 

Dr Sim also acknowledged the work of outgoing CPS President, Professor Debra Rowett PSM, FPS.

 

“I have been privileged to work alongside Prof. Rowett as part of the Australian Pharmacy Leaders Forum (APLF) and have seen firsthand the profound impact she has had on the pharmacy profession.

 

“I sincerely thank Prof. Rowett for her unwavering commitment to preparing Australian graduates for a fulfilling career in pharmacy, her wisdom and leadership over a significant period of time.

 

“I also wish to acknowledge PSA’s National Board Member and outgoing CPS Treasurer Professor Mark Naunton FPS for his contribution to CPS.” Dr Sim concluded.

 

Additional quotes attributable to CPS President-elect, Prof. Kevin Batty FPS:

 

“It’s a great privilege to be elected President of CPS and succeed Prof. Debra Rowett PSM, who has been a tireless and inspirational leader of CPS. I’d also like to thank Prof. Mark Naunton for his contribution as CPS Treasurer and Prof. Andrew McLachlan AM, who will be continuing as CPS Vice President, and I welcome A/Prof. David Newby, the incoming Treasurer.

 

“Along with our Public Officer & Secretary, Ms Anne Pike, we look forward to continued growth in the relationship between CPS and PSA. As CPS Councillors represent all of the Pharmacy degree programs in Australia and New Zealand, our collective focus is on ensuring our graduates have the contemporary skills, knowledge and professional attributes for their careers.”

 

 

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

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Supporting pharmacists, supporting patients: PSA releases annual report

16 November 2023

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) continues to support pharmacists in all areas of practice and in all corners of the country, with the release of its 2022-23 Annual Report highlighting PSA’s impact on a rapidly changing pharmacy profession.

 

The Annual Report details PSA’s activity throughout the 2022-23 financial year to support its mission to embed, equip, and enable pharmacists to be at the forefront of healthcare in Australia.

 

Releasing the report, Chief Executive Officer Adj A/Prof Steve Morris said that the report demonstrates the breadth of PSA’s work and focus on supporting members to further their practice.

 

“PSA exists only because of our members, who are at the heart of everything we do from advocacy and policy development, to practice guidelines and education,” Adj A/Prof Morris said.

 

“As an organisation PSA has listened to members and invested heavily in our capacity to support members both at an individual practice level and as a profession.

 

“We are proud to be supporting members around Australia every day.

 

“PSA remains focused on delivering value for our members through nation leading education, ensuring that pharmacists are at the forefront of contemporary practice as scope continues to evolve to meet patient needs.

 

“In the last 12 months we have had over 100,000 enrolments in online CPD, solidifying our place as leaders in delivering high quality education to Australian pharmacists.

 

“We continue to lead the conversation on medicine safety through ongoing advocacy, our flagship Medicine Safety report series, and over 40 projects and partnerships that support the Quality Use of Medicines.”

 

Adj A/Prof Morris specifically pointed to PSA’s significant work leading the profession with quality standards and guidelines fit for the future of pharmacy practice.

 

“We are proud to have launched reimagined Professional Practice Standards, uniting every Australian pharmacist in consistent, quality pharmacy practice and demonstrating the importance of pharmacists wherever medicines are used.

 

“Not only does this change the way that pharmacists engage the standards, but it also supports the continuing development of pharmacy scope of practice.”

 

PSA National President Dr Fei Sim FPS reflected what has been a challenging year for pharmacists.

 

“This is a critical period for our profession, which requires unity and strength across diverse practice areas,” Dr Sim said.

 

“Over the next year and beyond, we must continue to fight for the future of the pharmacy profession, ensuring opportunities for positive career progression in all areas of practice. We must ensure that all pharmacists are supported and remunerated to continue providing the advice and services our communities rely on.

 

“I urge all pharmacists, from students through to experienced and advanced practice pharmacists to join us in building the future of our profession.”

 

 

Read the PSA Annual Report 2022-23 here.

 

 

 

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

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Checking the pulse in turbulent times

13 November 2023

 

Following a turbulent year for pharmacists, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has this week launched an end-of-year survey to check the pulse of members.

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In an email to members, PSA’s General Manager of Membership Jen Steer said significant changes to the industry, such as 60-day dispensing and expanding scope of practice, meant it was a critical time to check in on members and their needs.

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“When there is significant change in the profession, it’s vital PSA stay on top of changing priorities to ensure that members get what they need and want most,” Ms Steer said.

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“As we plan for next year and beyond, we are keen to ensure our work is informed by those who stand at the heart of PSA – our members.

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“That’s how we can deliver the maximum value for members today while shaping the pharmacy profession of tomorrow.

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“Ensuring PSA is delivering benefits for members at every stage of their career, whether they are a recent graduate, an established pharmacist, or nearing retirement, is critical.

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“This is an opportunity for members to provide their thoughts and maintain the focus on what they need the most.”

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Members and non-members can have their say on the survey here.

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

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Vale Valerie Constable FPS

25 October 2023

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has honoured Ms Valerie Constable FPS, the first female President of PSA’s Victorian branch, who sadly passed away recently.

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For more than three decades, Valerie (Val) Constable has helped pave the way to optimise standards of pharmacy education and practice, becoming a trusted mentor to many.

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A humble and highly regarded professional, Val was a leader for women in pharmacy. She was a preceptor, mentor, and role model to many and always made herself available to provide support and advice to any member of the profession who sought her wisdom or assistance. Val’s principles are epitomised by Pharmacists Support Services (PSS), the anonymous volunteer support service that she helped establish, and led for many years.

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In 1991, Val was the first female in 135 years to be elected President of the PSA’s Victorian Branch. She rose above the glass ceiling through outstanding commitment, integrity, and professionalism. For over 35 years, Val and her husband Bob provided patient-centred care to their local communities through their pharmacies in Footscray and Pascoe Vale in Melbourne. She was a mentor to numerous trainees, many of whom have gone on to be prominent members of the profession.

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Val recognised the need for greater structure in pharmacy training and worked with other pharmacists to establish the Chapter of Pharmacy Practice Tutors, and co-authored manuals on medical conditions treated through pharmacies. She was also a Board member of the National Asthma Campaign (precursor to the National Asthma Council), involved with educating pharmacists in asthma recognition and management, and development of the Asthma Management Plan.

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PSA Victoria President Dr Amy Page FPS honoured Ms Constable’s impact on all Victorian pharmacists.

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“Val was a trailblazer for Victorian pharmacists, forging the path for women in the profession to follow,” Dr Page said.

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“Many Victorians will remember Val for her wisdom and tenacity, whether in one of her pharmacies in Footscray or Pascoe Vale, or as a leader of the profession.

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“She has been a mentor to many, inspiring and supporting young pharmacists in practice.

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“Her legacy will continue to inspire pharmacists for many years to come.”

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PSA National President Dr Fei Sim FPS also highlighted Ms Constable’s lasting legacy.

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“In 1995, with a group of similarly minded pharmacists, Val Constable set up the Pharmacists’ Support Service (PSS) to help peers experiencing stress.

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“The profession is forever indebted to Val for her commitment to improving our profession, driving PSS in its early years.

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“Val was a leader who led by compassion and had touched many hearts through her genuine support for colleagues and community.

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“On behalf of all pharmacists, I offer my deepest condolences to the Constable family, their friends and colleagues,” Dr Sim concluded.

 

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

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Launch of new PPS Quality Improvement and Self-Assessment Implementation Program

14 October 2023

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has today officially launched the Professional Practice Standards Quality Improvement and Self-Assessment Implementation Program to help pharmacists better understand and implement the standards into their practice.

 

The Implementation Program enables pharmacists to identify their individual scope of practice and the Standards relevant to them, as well as self-assess against these.
Upon completing the program, pharmacists are provided with a tailored action plan to help them improve their practice.

 

Speaking at the Western Australia Annual Therapeutic Update in Perth, PSA National President Dr Fei Sim FPS strongly encouraged pharmacists to take advantage of the Quality Improvement and Implementation Program to improve their practice.

 

“When we launched the new Professional Practice Standards earlier this year, we knew that it would fundamentally change the way pharmacists interact with and apply professional standards to their own practice,” Dr Sim said.

 

“Our Implementation Program allows each pharmacist to take an individual approach to applying the Standards in practice, no matter what our area of practice or specialisation.
“Self-assessing performance against these standards allows all of us to better our practice, and to deliver better care to all Australians.

 

“As pharmacists’ scope of practice continues to evolve, it is vital we continually assess our own performance and whether we are consistently enabling the delivery of safe, high-quality, reliable, and clinically effective healthcare services.

 

“I encourage all pharmacists, in all areas of practice and in all career stages to make the most of the Professional Practice Standards Quality Improvement and Self-assessment Implementation Program as a contemporary, evidence-based resource to guide their quality professional practice.

 

“By incorporating these standards into daily practice, pharmacists will ensure safe, effective and person-centred care for all Australians,” Dr Sim concluded.

 

The launch of this interactive program reaffirms PSA’s dedication to supporting pharmacists to provide top-quality healthcare services to the community. PSA remains committed to equipping pharmacists with the knowledge and tools they need to excel in their roles and improve patient outcomes.

 

The Professional Practice Standards, the implementation program, and more are available at https://www.psa.org.au/practice-support-industry/pps/

 

 

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

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The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is the peak national professional pharmacy organisation, representing Australia's 37,000+ pharmacists in all sectors and across all locations, working in or towards a career in pharmacy. Registered training organisation code: 122206 ABN:49 008 532 072 ACN:008 532 072

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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