R U OK? Day: Ask your pharmacist if they’re ok

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is calling on the Australian public to check in with their local pharmacist, and reminds all pharmacists that support is available.

Today, 9th September, is R U OK? Day, the annual occasion that encourages people to stay connected and have conversations that can help others navigate through difficult times in their lives.

PSA National President, A/Prof Chris Freeman, paid tribute to the efforts of Australian pharmacists since the pandemic began, and drew attention to the stresses that they face on a daily basis.

“If the COVID-19 pandemic has shown us anything, it is the extreme stress that is placed on healthcare systems and the healthcare workforce, including pharmacists.

“Pharmacists, as Australia’s most accessible healthcare workforce, are subjected to immense pressure every day of the week. Comparatively low wages, extended working hours, constant regulatory and practice changes, along with verbal and physical abuse from patients are all contributing factors leading to burnout within the profession.

“Pharmacists in all settings are dealing with frequent out of stocks, considerable changes to workflow, and wearing of PPE to reduce the risk of transmission to themselves, their team and their patients. In order to meet rapidly changing demand, they are having to rationalise medicines and medical equipment for the most vulnerable patients, adding another level of stress to an already demanding job.

“Given the high degree of risk associated with our profession, pharmacist welfare is something that is often overlooked. Most of us have seen footage in the media where pharmacists or pharmacy staff have been threatened by violence, and whilst these aren’t common occurrences, it is unnerving nonetheless.

“Working as a pharmacist is not an easy task, and the perception that individual pharmacies generate significant revenue is not the case – it is a very fine line between success and failure, and pharmacists are some of the hardest working members of the health care team. Challenges that they face have significant flow on effects for their staff, family, and Australians seeking accessible care.

“Pharmacists have stood tall during the pandemic, keeping their doors open so patients can continue to access their medicines experts, particularly when other health professionals were not available.

“The welfare of Australian pharmacists will always be the number one priority for the PSA.

“I would also like to remind everyone that PSA offers support and professional advice through our Pharmacist to Pharmacist Support Line on 1300 369 772, in addition to the Pharmacists’ Support Service on 1300 244 910.

“I call on all Australians to be mindful of the pressures that their pharmacists face and encourage you all to ask your pharmacist if they’re ok – remembering that a conversation can quite literally change a life,” A/Prof Freeman said.

Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463

Time to remove NIP influenza barriers in QLD

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) Queensland Branch calls for expanded access to National Immunisation Program (NIP) seasonal influenza vaccines through community pharmacy.

At present, those over the age of 65 are not able to access the ATAGI-preferred influenza vaccine from their local pharmacy, as it has only been available through General Practice in recent years.

PSA Queensland Branch President, Shane MacDonald, said that creating more opportunities for patients to access immunisations from pharmacists will improve the health and wellness of Queenslanders.

“As we prepare for 2022, allowing community pharmacist immunisers to provide NIP-funded influenza vaccines will increase vaccination rates and herd immunity to influenza within the state, preventing death and hospitalisations in those aged over 65 years.

“As we have seen since pharmacists started providing influenza vaccines, immunisation rates have risen in the adult population overall.

“Currently, over 20 percent of this age group is not vaccinated against influenza. We expect that expanding access to vaccinations will see a 10-20 percent increase in coverage for the over 65 population.

“As we have seen during the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, pharmacists are a critical part of the vaccination workforce. It is time to align the funding and regulation of pharmacist-administered vaccinations with that of all other authorised immunisers,” Mr MacDonald said.

PSA will continue to work closely with the Queensland Government to improve accessibility to the seasonal influenza vaccine, ultimately improving access for vulnerable Australians.

Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463

Rapid Antigen Testing needed to keep pharmacy doors open

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) calls on the NSW Government to introduce funded Rapid Antigen Testing for pharmacists and their staff to ensure the vital care they offer to the community can continue.

As frontline healthcare workers, the welfare of our pharmacists affects the health and welfare of the community. By introducing Rapid Antigen Testing for pharmacists and their staff, pharmacists will be able to monitor their workforce more closely and get back-to-work sooner after a potential workplace COVID-19 exposure, ensuring access to medicines is not disrupted.

PSA NSW Branch President, Chelsea Felkai, said: “As we move into a new phase of the pandemic with significantly higher case numbers, Rapid Antigen Testing will need to play a significant role in reducing isolation periods of pharmacists and identifying infection prior to onset of symptoms in high risk settings.

“This approach is desperately needed in rural areas. Many of our regional communities are already facing significant workforce shortages. They do not have the resources or flexibility to cope when employees need to isolate for extended periods. Given that PCR test results are currently taking five or six days to be returned, this potentially closes a pharmacy for an entire week.

“With community pharmacies being one of the most frequently listed public exposure sites, pharmacy employees in hot spot areas face growing concerns about contracting COVID-19 and taking it home to their families. Pharmacists have done a great job in protecting their staff and the community from exposure to COVID-19 in community pharmacy, by wearing of PPE and practicing distancing measures. Rapid Antigen Testing is another vital tool to further protect pharmacy staff and ensure pharmacies remain open to service their communities.

“Rapid Antigen Testing can also be used as additional surveillance testing in areas of sustained community transmission. Currently this would be akin to Sydney’s LGAs of concern and regional outbreak areas such as Dubbo, Bourke and Broken Hill. But as we move into Phase B and Phase C of the reopening plan, where case numbers are much higher, there is a significantly greater need for surveillance testing of health care workers including pharmacists,” Ms Felkai said.

Whilst pharmacies that are identified as exposure sites will still need to close for deep cleaning, Rapid Antigen Testing will allow community pharmacies to bring their workforce back sooner while awaiting PCR test results. Returned in less than 15 minutes, negative tests will provide health authorities and community pharmacies with the confidence to reopen sooner, to ensure their communities continue to have access to their medicines and health services such as vaccinations.

Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463

States must remove barriers to allow Pharmacists to administer Moderna to adolescents

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes today’s confirmation from the National COVID Vaccine Taskforce that pharmacists will be administering Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine, Spikevax, to adolescents aged 12-15 years. With supply imminent, PSA now calls on states to immediately remove barriers, by updating their standards and regulations to allow this to happen.

At present, vaccine regulations in Queensland, NSW and Tasmania prevent pharmacists from administering Spikevax to those aged between 12 and 17 years.

PSA National President, A/Prof Chris Freeman, called for states to act fast to ensure pharmacists can get on with the job and administer COVID-19 vaccines in line with TGA approvals.

“Pharmacists have played a key role in the COVID-19 vaccine rollout to-date. With community pharmacists exclusively set to receive the first doses of Moderna around the country, it is crucial that they can administer the vaccine to individuals aged between 12 and 17 years from Day 1.

“This is a race, and pharmacists, as one of our most accessible healthcare workforces, must continue to play a key role in vaccinating younger Australians.

“Pharmacists should be allowed to vaccinate with all TGA-approved vaccines in all practice settings,” A/Prof Freeman said.

PSA has supported pharmacists in delivering the COVID-19 vaccine both safely and effectively to the public since local pharmacies were activated, and will continue to advocate for maximal access to these highly effective vaccines.

Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463

International Overdose Awareness Day: Time to act.

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) acknowledges International Overdose Awareness Day and calls for naloxone to be PBS-subsidised without a prescription.

Today, 31^st August, marks International Overdose Awareness Day, the world’s leading annual campaign striving to end overdose.

PSA National President, A/Prof Chris Freeman, commended the campaign.

“PSA strongly supports the International Overdose Awareness Day campaign and we applaud the work they have done over the past twenty years.

“Most of us know of someone whose life has been affected through overdose and we must do all we can to end this public health crisis.

“To do this, awareness must be raised of the profound grief felt by families and friends whose loved ones have died or suffered permanent injury from a drug overdose,” A/Prof Freeman said.

He went onto discuss how pharmacists can prevent further loss of life through improving accessibility to naloxone.

“Naloxone is a life-saving medicine that can temporarily reverse opioid overdose, allowing enough time for an ambulance to arrive.

“Whilst it is now available over the counter across the country, the price of this medicine puts it out of reach for many, and a prescription is required in order to receive the PBS subsidy. The current process is simply not working in the best interests of those who need it most.

“Whilst we welcome short term trials to improve access in New South Wales, Western Australia, and South Australia, this does not go far enough.

“We need to improve access to this life-saving medicine through all pharmacies across all jurisdictions, by making it the first pharmacist-initiated and supplied PBS item – in doing so, we can decrease the amount of deaths from overdose.

“Pharmacists are Australia’s most accessible healthcare workforce, now is the time to act to make naloxone not only more easily accessible, but affordable – something that will see countless lives saved in Australia,” A/Prof Freeman said.

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Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463

‘Healthcare doesn’t just happen in hospitals’; PSA calls for NSW’s mandatory vaccination health orders to be expanded to all health staff

While the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) supports the NSW Government’s decision to mandate the COVID-19 vaccine for all the state’s hospital workers, it contends the requirements do not go far enough.

Yesterday, 26^th August, the Berejiklian Government made COVID-19 vaccination mandatory for all NSW health workers in hospitals, aged care and ambulances – with first doses being required as of 30 September and second doses by 30 November.

In applauding the decision, PSA NSW Branch President, Chelsea Felkai, urged the NSW Government to go much further.

“I commend the Berejiklian Government’s decision to mandate COVID-19 vaccination for NSW health workers in hospitals. This is an important move, and NSW has led the nation on this. But I cannot understand why the public health order does not apply to health workers in primary care – such as community pharmacists and general practitioners.

“Frontline health care doesn’t just happen in hospitals. It happens in community pharmacies and medical centres. They are an equally high risk of transmission, as evidenced by their frequent appearances on exposure site lists.

“All health care workers and the community should be able to have confidence that everyone working to support health has heeded the health advice. That is, being vaccinated to protect themselves, their colleagues, and their patients,” Ms Felkai said.

PSA National President, A/Prof Chris Freeman, agreed, and called all other jurisdictions to get moving.

“The actions taken by the NSW Government are a step in the right direction, protecting health care workers and mitigating the risk of further transmission in high-risk primary care settings.

“It is appropriate that requirements for vaccination are consistent across all high-risk settings, such as health care – rather than being left as a decision for individual businesses and service providers.

“PSA asserts that the requirements must apply in all patient-facing settings, where pharmacists and other health care workers practice – including hospitals, community pharmacies, aged care, general practice and ACCHOs.

“Of course, we recognise there are a very small number of people who have genuine medical contraindication to vaccination. We must continue to support these people in our workforce and work with them on the safest role they can play, whilst maximising those immunised around them,” A/Prof Freeman said.

PSA calls on all state and territory governments to mandate COVID-19 vaccinations for all health workers.

For more information on vaccination requirements for NSW health workers, please visit this link.

Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463

PSA announces new Early Career Pharmacists directorship

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the new Early Career Pharmacists (ECP) Board Director to the PSA National Board.

Today, 23^rd August, Deanna Mill has been appointed as the Early Career Pharmacists Board Director, following the conclusion of Lauren Burton’s term.

Based in Adelaide, Ms Mill has acquired a unique breadth of skills and experience, having worked in rural, metropolitan, hospital, community, teaching and research settings. In addition to her comprehensive pharmacy experience, Ms Mill is also currently completing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) at the University of Western Australia.

PSA National President, A/Prof Chris Freeman, welcomed Ms Mill and thanked the outgoing Lauren Burton for her contribution to the role.

“Deanna’s achievements to date are very impressive, and we warmly welcome her to the PSA National Board.

“She is passionate about elevating ECP voices around the country and inspiring the broader profession to see beyond the current state of pharmacy practice, enabling innovation.

“Having worked in multiple practice settings and with her focus currently on researching the professional behaviour of pharmacists, she has unique insight into the disconnect between how pharmacists want to practice and what the current system allows.

“She will draw on her experiences to connect ECPs around the country, ensuring they have the support needed to build the future that they and all Australians want and deserve,” A/Prof Freeman said.

He went on to acknowledge Lauren Burton for her service to PSA and the profession at large.\

“On behalf of the PSA Board, I’d like to thank Lauren Burton for her contribution to the role over the past three years.

“ECPs make up a large proportion of PSA’s membership and are integral stakeholders in the Australian pharmacy sector – and Lauren has led this cohort by example.

“I would particularly like to acknowledge Lauren’s leadership in helping establish the Early Career Pharmacy Community of Specialty Interest. Her consultative and supportive approach to this work ultimately led to its launch at PSA21VIRTUAL.

“Lauren brought far more to the PSA Board in addition to her advocacy for ECPs. Lauren is a naturally gifted director with skills in governance and leadership – importantly bringing a ‘members first’ approach to considerations around the Board table. Lauren has a bright future ahead of her, and I am pleased she will continue in her role on the PSA WA Branch Committee,” A/Prof Freeman said.

PSA looks forward to Deanna’s directorship and warmly welcome her to the PSA National Board.

Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463

PSA remembers the late Professor Andrew Gilbert AM

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is saddened by the recent passing of one of Australia’s most influential pharmacists.

Last Friday, 20^th August, Emeritus Professor Andrew Gilbert AM, peacefully passed away, surrounded by his family. He was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to pharmacy as an educator, researcher, and administrator and to professional organisations.

Professor Gilbert, PSA Fellow and former Director of The Quality Use of Medicines and Pharmacy Research Centre, was internationally renowned for his research and consultancy work in areas of medicines policy and health practice change.

PSA National President, A/Prof Chris Freeman, was deeply saddened by the passing of his mentor and friend.

“The loss of Professor Gilbert, Andy, affects me deeply. He had such a big influence on my career. Andy was a mentor who took me under his wing, provided me with many opportunities, and offered a voice of reason when I felt uncertain. I know he played a similar role for many in the pharmacy profession. I am lucky to have called him a friend.

“Andy was instrumental in securing federal funding of Home Medication Reviews for at-risk people in the community, and further research on medication management issues in the veteran community.

“His research led to the publication and national adoption of the Professional Practice Standards with another program of research that enhanced outcomes for residents of aged-care facilities through improved medication use.

“In 2005, he was awarded the Pharmacist of the Year Award and the South Australian Pharmacist of the Year in 2004, for his work in medicines policy development, implementation and evaluation, pharmaco-epidemiology, and health practice change.

“Andy also contributed to the initiation of the ‘Veterans MATES’ program at the University of South Australia now led by Professor Libby Roughead. This unique program provides direct patient-based feedback to medical practitioners regarding medications provides to veterans.

“In recognition of his lifelong contribution to the pharmacy profession, PSA awarded Andy with Life Fellowship in 2019, at a ceremony in Adelaide attended by his family, friends and colleagues.

“PSA extends its condolences Andy’s wife Marg, his daughters Kate and Alice, and the rest of his family. His legacy and impact on pharmacy practice will not be forgotten,” A/Prof Freeman said.

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Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463

PSA welcomes Roadmap to improve the health of the intellectually disabled

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) supports the Government’s plan to improve the health of Australians living with intellectual disability.

Last Friday, 13^th August, the Minister for Health and Aged Care, the Hon Greg Hunt MP, launched the National Roadmap for Improving the Health of People with Intellectual Disability.

This comprehensive plan will look to improve the health outcomes of people with intellectual disability in Australia over the next decade, with the Morrison Government initially committing $19.3 million to fund the first actions of the Roadmap.

The Roadmap will look to improve the overall standard of care and support that is provided to people with intellectual disability through more effective models of care, greater support for health workers, improved monitoring of their conditions and greater consideration in emergency planning and responses.

PSA National President, A/Prof Chris Freeman, expressed his support for the ten-year plan.

“PSA strongly supports the key objectives of the National Roadmap, in particular, the development of better models of care for people with intellectual disability and support for health professionals to deliver quality care for this cohort.

“While there is rightly an urgency to address inappropriate use of psychotropic medicines by people with intellectual disability, as PSA outlined in its submission to the Disability Royal Commission last year, there is broader concern for people with disability who require support with their medicines.

“It is vital that these vulnerable Australians, their families, and their carers have routine access to pharmacists and appropriate medication management programs to help ensure medication safety, support optimal and quality use of medicines and improve quality of life,” A/Prof Freeman said.

PSA SA/NT Branch Committee Member, Dr Manya Angley, who appeared as a witness at the Disability Royal Commission, highlighted various opportunities where pharmacists can identify inappropriate medicines use, and work with prescribers and other members of the disability care team to ensure quality use of medicines.

“People with intellectual disability experience stark mental and physical health disadvantage compared to the general Australian population.

“As medicines are the most powerful intervention used in health care, pharmacists are well positioned to improve overall health by ensuring quality use of medicines. Inappropriate medicine use, especially psychotropics, is a problem concerning both the health and disability sectors – hence, interdisciplinary collaboration is required to address it.

“My experience working in the sector is that it is equally challenging and rewarding. The key role pharmacists can play in the healthcare of these Australians needs to be clearly defined and resourced accordingly. The Roadmap is an opportunity to enable this,” Dr Angley said.

PSA looks forward to continuing the collaboration with all partners in implementing the initiatives of the comprehensive 10-year plan to improve the health outcomes of people with intellectual disability in Australia.

For further information on the Roadmap, please visit the National Roadmap for Improving the Health of People with Intellectual Disability | Australian Government Department of Health.

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Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463