Toward a stronger future for Australia’s pharmacists
Saturday 27 July 2019
The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) and the Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia (SHPA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) enabling closer cooperation representing and empowering the majority and spectrum of Australia’s pharmacists and technicians.
The MoU, announced at the members’ breakfast on the second morning of PSA’s National Conference in Sydney, outlines a framework for commitment and cooperation between the PSA and SHPA.
PSA National President Dr Chris Freeman says codifying the sharing of ideas and resources will ultimately benefit members, patients and consumers.
‘It is a pleasure to welcome leaders of SHPA to PSA19 and make this shared commitment to unite the pharmacy profession in the context of healthcare delivery, strengthen our advocacy to enhance patient outcomes and to lift the profile and engagement of pharmacists within the healthcare team.
‘It is an exciting time for PSA as we prepare to take a seat at the table for negotiations regarding the Seventh Community Pharmacy Agreement (7CPA) and undergo an organisational transformation to strengthen the advocacy and training we provide to our members.
‘In the same vein, this MoU is about embracing strategic commonalities and finding new ways of working closer with SHPA to deliver a wider range of events, services and supports for members, while uniting the pharmacy profession toward our common goals.’
SHPA President Peter Fowler says the synergy between the SHPA Strategic Plan 2019-2023 and PSA’s Pharmacists in 2023: For patients, for our profession, for Australia’s health system makes a strong case for closer cooperation.
‘In our respective five-year plans for the future of pharmacy in Australia three areas of alignment clearly stand out: Achieving excellence in pharmacy care benefiting all Australians; supporting pharmacist members to thrive and succeed; and amplifying members’ voices to effect real and positive change.
‘These will be the backbone of this MoU – identifying and developing new approaches, in partnership, to improve the practice, impact and membership experience of all PSA and SHPA members.’
Photo: PSA National President Dr Chris Freeman (left) signs the MoU with SHPA President Peter Fowler
For more information contact:
Nick Sharp-Paul, SHPA Head of Strategy and Communication nsharp-paul@shpa.org.au – 0411 098 838
Monika Boogs, PSA Advocacy Manager Monika.Boogs@psa.org.au – 0419 423 693
About PSA
The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is the only Australian Government-recognised peak national professional pharmacy organisation representing all of Australia’s 31,000 pharmacists working in all sectors and across all locations. PSA is committed to improving Australia’s health through excellence in pharmacist care and works to identify, unlock and advance opportunities for pharmacists to realise their full potential, to be appropriately recognised and fairly remunerated.
PSA leads and supports innovative and evidence-based healthcare service delivery by pharmacists. PSA provides high-quality practitioner development and practice support to pharmacists and is the custodian of the professional practice standards and guidelines to ensure quality and integrity in the practice of pharmacy.
www.psa.org.au
About SHPA
The Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia (SHPA) is the national, professional, for-purpose organisation for leading pharmacists and pharmacy technicians working across Australia’s health system, advocating for their pivotal role improving the safety and quality of medicines use. Embedded in multidisciplinary medical teams and equipped with exceptional medicines management expertise, SHPA members are progressive advocates for clinical excellence, committed to evidence-based practice and passionate about patient care.
www.shpa.org.au
