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PSA welcomes Government’s commitment to improve medicine safety in Aged Care

Friday 25 March 2022

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the Government’s commitment to provide funding of $345.7 million to improve medicine safety for older Australians by embedding pharmacists in residential aged care facilities.

 

This morning, the Minister for Health and Ageing, the Hon Greg Hunt, announced that from 1 January 2023, pharmacists will play an even greater role in dispensing medicines within Australia’s residential aged care facilities.

 

PSA National President, A/Prof Chris Freeman, was in attendance when the announcement was made.

 

“Today’s announcement from Minister Hunt has been long-awaited. This is a win for those residents who will now have greater access to medicines experts, our pharmacists, and I have no doubt that this sentiment will be shared by the aged care sector.

 

“PSA has been advocating for funding to improve medicine safety in residential aged care facilities since 2018, following the establishment of the Royal Commission into Aged Care – and now, almost four years later, the Government has taken action.

 

“The Royal Commission into Aged Care detailed well-known issues like the overuse of psychotropic medicines, and since then, troubling data on medication misadventure has continued to emerge.

 

“Since the Royal Commission was established, PSA has been working closely with all governments to implement recommendations outlined in our Medicine safety: aged care report from 2020, and it is incredibly pleasing to see that our advice has been heeded.

 

“With more than 19,000 Australians in residential aged care prescribed antipsychotics with no indication, the level of chemical restraint must be addressed. We also know that the more medicines someone is prescribed, the more likely it is to cause harm.

 

“The evidence is clear – pharmacists need to be an embedded part of the aged care equation if medication misadventure is to be minimised and rectified.

 

“As the custodians and experts of medication safety, embedding pharmacists in aged care is the obvious solution to address the longstanding issues of polypharmacy and chemical restraint in aged care facilities. We are delighted that the Government will now invest in our pharmacist workforce to improve the quality of care for aged care residents.

 

“Over the next four years, this $345.7 million contribution to supporting pharmacists embedded in aged care will make a significant difference to protecting and improving the quality of life for our aged care residents. Consultation on the most suitable model will occur over the next six months.

 

“It is crucial that aged care service providers are allowed the flexibility to determine how they secure pharmacist services. Some facilities may choose to contract pharmacists through community pharmacies, some may choose to employ a pharmacist directly, or via a third party.

 

“It can’t be a one size fits all approach as every facility is different. Therefore, all of these options must be accommodated.

 

“We look forward to working with the Minister and the Department of Health on the implementation.” A/Prof Freeman said.

 

Get involved

PSA is here to support Australian pharmacists who are interested in working within the aged care sector. For more information on becoming a Residential Aged Care Pharmacist, please visit this link. PSA also offers the Residential Aged Care Pharmacist: Foundation Training Program, available here.

 

Background

PSA’s Medicine safety: aged care report found that:

 

  • Over 95% of people living in aged care facilities have at least one problem with their medicines detected at the time of a medicines review; most have three problems
  • 50% of people with dementia are taking medicines with anticholinergic properties, which can worsen confusion and other symptoms of dementia.
  • One fifth of people living in aged care are on antipsychotics; more than half use the medicine for too long.

 

The Report from the Royal Commission in to Aged Care Quality and Safety recommended that “the Australian Government immediately improve access to quality medication management reviews for people receiving aged care by:

  1. allowing and funding pharmacists from 1 January 2022 to conduct reviews on entry to residential care and annually thereafter, or more often if there has been a significant change to the person receiving care’s condition or medication regimen;
  2. amending the criteria for eligibility for residential medication management reviews to include people in residential respite care and transition care;
  3. monitoring quality and consistency of medication management reviews.”

 

The Royal Commission detailed well known issues in medicine management – notably the use of restrictive practices which could not be justified in 90% of cases, and overuse of sedating medicines.

 

PSA has suggested that a flexible practice model is needed to give aged care providers and residents the best access to pharmacist-delivered care, and accreditation of pharmacists entering aged care to perform medication reviews must remain mandatory to support consistent, high quality care.

 

 

Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463

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PSA welcomes new South Australian Government

Monday 21st March 2022

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia’s (PSA) South Australian Branch welcomes the election of Peter Malinauskas as the Premier of South Australia.

 

PSA SA Branch President, Robyn Johns, welcomed Mr Malinauskas’ appointment.

 

“I congratulate the incoming government on their success at the election, and PSA looks forward to a positive and productive relationship with the Premier and Health Minister going forward.

 

“As we transition back to normality, it is crucial that the incoming government continue to implement measures which would improve the health and wellbeing of South Australians, like the recommendations PSA has recently provided.

 

“These recommendations include embedding pharmacists in residential aged care facilities, enabling pharmacists to administer medicines by injection with an expanded range of vaccines, providing funding to employ pharmacists in Aboriginal Health Clinics across the state, and employing transition of care pharmacists in all South Australian hospitals.

 

“Of these recommendations, raising the standard of care for vulnerable residents in the state’s aged care facilities is of particular importance to us.

 

“Embedding pharmacists in aged care is the obvious solution to addressing longstanding issues like polypharmacy and chemical restraint in aged care facilities and their involvement in these settings has proven beneficial to the aged care sector as a whole.”

 

She went on to thank the outgoing Premier, Steven Marshall, for his dedication to improving outcomes for South Australian pharmacists and patients.

 

“PSA thanks Mr Marshall for his support of pharmacists and South Australia’s healthcare system throughout his tenure.

 

“His collaboration with key leaders like Professor Nicola Spurrier has played a critical role in keeping South Australians safe during the pandemic, and keeping the COVID-19 infection rate low for such a long period of time.

 

“PSA also thanks the outgoing Health Minister, Stephen Wade, for our positive and collaborative relationship with the SA Department of Health.

 

“We wish them and their families all the very best for the future,” Ms Johns said.

 

 

Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463

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Pharmacists must be utilised to further improve health outcomes for South Australians

Thursday 17th March 2022

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia’s (PSA) South Australian Branch has called on the incoming South Australian Government to implement four key measures ahead of the state election this weekend.

 

Pharmacists must be better utilised, particularly in residential aged care facilities, to improve health outcomes for South Australians.

 

PSA SA Branch President, Robyn Johns, stressed the need for embedded pharmacists in the state’s residential aged care facilities.

 

“Ahead of this weekend’s election, PSA is calling on the incoming government to implement several measures which will benefit the health and wellbeing of South Australians, by better utilising the skills and experience of our pharmacist workforce.

 

“Of these recommendations, raising the standard of care for vulnerable residents in the state’s aged care facilities is of particular importance to us.

 

“Embedding pharmacists in aged care is the obvious solution to addressing longstanding issues like polypharmacy and chemical restraint in aged care facilities.

 

“Pharmacist involvement in aged care settings has proven effective in improving collaboration between healthcare professionals, reducing medication misadventure, improving transitions of care and addressing medicine-related questions or concerns posed by patients and their families.

 

“Our pharmacists are the solution to addressing the findings from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, and we desperately need the incoming South Australian Government to make this a priority in order to protect our most vulnerable.

 

“Other recommendations include enabling pharmacists to administer medicines by injection with an expanded range of vaccines, including the vaccine for Japanese Encephalitis, providing funding to employ pharmacists in Aboriginal Health Clinics across the state, and employing transition of care pharmacists in all South Australian hospitals.

 

“These measures will improve health outcomes for South Australians whilst better utilising the skills and experience of our pharmacists, and reducing pressure on other sectors of the health system.” Ms Johns said.

 

 

 

Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463

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Closing the Gap on health inequality

Thursday 17th March 2022

 

Health equality is a fundamental human right and it is critical that Australia meets this standard for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) believes that Australia’s healthcare system must strive to better meet the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to protect and support health, wellbeing, culture and Country.

 

PSA National President, A/Prof Chris Freeman, said that progress is being made in improving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, but there is still a long way to go.

 

“PSA believes that health equality as a fundamental right for all, and as today is National Close the Gap Day, I reiterate that we must continue to take steps toward achieving health equality for First Nations Peoples. I thank those pharmacists supporting and working towards quality use of medicines with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

 

“PSA calls on the government to consider expanding the Closing the Gap Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme Co-payment Program to include PBS medicines supplied under special supply arrangements established under Section 100 of the National Health Act 1953.

 

“As clinicians, it is critical that we continue to practise cultural humility and strive to challenge unconscious bias in order to move toward culturally safe and responsive models of care.

 

“Models of care must align with the six domains of the Cultural Respect Framework 2016-2026 for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health, with the overarching aim to improve the access and responsiveness of the health system in Australia.

 

“PSA respects the principle of self-determination and acknowledges that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people know what is best for themselves, their families and communities.

 

“We recognise that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ connection to family, community, culture and Country is critical to wellbeing and positive self-identity.

 

“PSA respects the need for Aboriginal-led transformation, and recognises the resilience, strengths and leadership of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities and organisations.

 

“When Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are involved in the design of the services they need, success is far more likely to be achieved.

 

“Sadly, only a small proportion, roughly 0.3%, of registered pharmacists in Australia identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people. Through promotion of initiatives like the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Pharmacy Scholarship Scheme, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Pharmacy Assistant Traineeship Scheme and creating opportunities to showcase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander pharmacists at events such as PSA’s annual conference, PSA is dedicated to increasing this degree of representation.

 

“As the lead organisation for the Integrating Pharmacists within Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (IPAC) project, PSA also continues to advocate for models of care which further enables pharmacists to support the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

 

“PSA is proud to have our Reconciliation Action Plan endorsed by Reconciliation Australia, a framework which signifies our commitment to driving reconciliation throughout the organisation. This strategy builds further on current reconciliation initiatives by means of awareness and action,” A/Prof Freeman said.

 

 

Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463

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Improved access to influenza vaccines is great news for older Tasmanians

Thursday 17th March 2022

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia’s (PSA) Tasmanian Branch welcomes the Tasmanian Government’s announcement that influenza vaccines funded through the National Immunisation Program (NIP) will become available through local pharmacies.

 

The Government has announced that pharmacists will be allowed to access and administer NIP-funded influenza vaccines for Tasmanians over 65 years. Previously, pharmacies were restricted to providing privately funded influenza vaccines.

 

This brings Tasmania in line with other jurisdictions like Victoria, the ACT, WA and NSW.

 

PSA Tasmanian Branch President, David Peachey, welcomed the announcement, saying that allowing pharmacists to administer vaccines will improve access for vulnerable Tasmanians.

 

“Tasmanian pharmacists have been vaccinating against influenza for many years, and more recently, have made a significant contribution to the COVID-19 vaccination rollout across our state. It is great to see the Tasmanian Government now recognise the greater role pharmacists can play in protecting our community against influenza.”

 

Mr Peachey said whilst this announcement is a step in the right direction, pharmacists should be able to administer all NIP-funded vaccines, and all other vaccines (with the exception of a select few specialised vaccines).

 

“Less than half of at-risk Tasmanian adults are fully vaccinated. This includes healthcare workers and those caring for our most vulnerable people in Tasmania.

 

“Access to funded vaccines is one of the main barriers to uptake of vaccinations. Enabling Tasmanians to access NIP vaccines through pharmacy would improve access to and uptake of NIP vaccines and reduce the burden on the healthcare system from vaccine-preventable disease,” Mr Peachey said.

 

 

 

Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463

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Thank you to all of our pharmacists!

Thursday 17th March 2022

 

Today is Thank Your Pharmacist Day and the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is thanking all of Australia’s pharmacists for their efforts over the past two years.

 

Pharmacists have gone above and beyond for their patients and have been subjected to incredibly challenging conditions, many of which have not received the recognition they deserve.

 

PSA National President, A/Prof Chris Freeman, praised the impact pharmacists have had on Australia’s pandemic response and called for better recognition and fairer remuneration.

 

“I extend my sincere thanks to you – Australia’s pharmacists, from every walk of practice, and in every sector, who have been on the frontline since day one of this global health crisis. This day is for you.

 

“I commend all frontline pharmacists for their hard work, dedication and professionalism under immense pressure.

 

“With the swift pivot towards telehealth, many primary healthcare providers chose to close their doors. As a result, those seeking essential healthcare turned to pharmacists, one of Australia’s most trusted workforces.

 

“You couldn’t stay home. You had to contend with public panic, anxiety, rapidly changing regulations, medicine shortages all whilst workplace operations were turned upside-down. You also had to work with the fear of becoming sick, having serious implications on those close to you.

 

“Whether it be through vaccinations or ensuring continuity of access to essential medicines, you have all played a critical role in keeping Australians safe during the pandemic, and can take much of the credit for Australia’s remarkably low COVID-19 mortality rate,” he said.

 

He went on to call for a review into pharmacists’ roles within the primary healthcare environment.
“Despite going above and beyond for Australians, pharmacists are still bearing the brunt of unfair and inequitable pay discrepancies – they are losing out.

 

“If we look at remuneration for administering COVID-19 vaccinations, pharmacists are receiving substantially less than other immunisers for administering the same vaccine, an unfair pay disparity for providing exactly the same service.

 

“This could be resolved if the Government introduced a Medicare Benefits Scheme (MBS) payment to pharmacists for administering National Immunisation Program (NIP) vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccines.

 

“Besides vaccinations, pharmacists remain the only allied health providers who are not remunerated for their involvement in multidisciplinary case conferencing. Given the crucial role we play in medicine safety, it is essential that pharmacists be remunerated to participate alongside other members of the patient’s healthcare team.

 

“Government must ensure that patient safety is a priority by introducing a MBS rebate for pharmacists for their role in multidisciplinary case conferencing and deliver on the positive recommendation from the MBS Review Taskforce for this to occur.

 

“PSA is also calling on the Government to commit to a binding agreement with PSA to improve pharmacist wages and working conditions in recognition of their critical responsibilities, advanced training and skills.

 

“The agreement would improve consumer health outcomes through the provision of safe and effective medication use and underpin future Community Pharmacy Agreements to ensure sustainability of the pharmacist workforce.

 

“Our pharmacists have worked too hard, at great personal expense, for these inequities in recognition and remuneration to go unaddressed by all governments, and it’s about time that we saw action on this front. They need to act now and secure our pharmacist workforce for the future,” A/Prof Freeman said.

 

 

 

Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463

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Actioncentre_Social media

Below are some social media tile for you to download and use. There is some sample text below you may wish to use on social media. You can include the website link http://www-dev/remuneration and don’t forget to tag PSA National and your local politician.

How can I get involved?

You can get involved by sharing these tiles on your social media (below) and either using your own text or the sample text supplied below.

Below is some sample text you may wish to use on social media. You can include the website link http://www-dev/remuneration and don’t forget to tag PSA National and your local politician.

 

 

Working Conditions and Remuneration
  1. Pharmacists must be recognised as frontline health professionals, and deserve to be remunerated accordingly.
  2. Pharmacists, like many healthcare workers, have had no reprieve throughout the pandemic. We’ve stayed open when many primary healthcare providers closed their doors. Yet, unfair and inequitable pay discrepancies continue to exist. This needs to be corrected.
  3. It’s simple, pharmacists must be paid at the same rate as any other professional for providing the same service!
Case Conferencing
  1. Pharmacists are the only allied health provider who is not remunerated for case conferencing – this is ludicrous when you consider the essential role we play as medicine safety experts.
  2. The government must address medicine safety concerns and the unfair and inequitable pay disparity faced by pharmacists, by introducing an MBS rebate for pharmacists who participate in case conferencing.
  3. Pharmacists are medicine experts and custodians of medicine safety, yet we are expected to participate in case conferencing without being paid for doing so.
COVID Vaccines
  1. The pandemic has pushed many in the profession to the brink – RAT shortages, long hours, staff shortages, abuse from patients, the risk of bring the disease home to family. At the very least, we deserve equal remuneration for administering COVID-19 vaccines.
  2. Many friends and colleagues have gone above and beyond, extending hours to open up more COVID-19 vaccination appointments. It’s not fair that we’re being paid less than half that of other vaccinators.
  3. Pharmacists have now delivered over 6 million COVID-19 vaccines – going above and beyond to help protect our communities. By paying other providers more, the government has short-changed us by more than $156 million. How is that fair?
  4. The Federal Government’s refusal to fairly remunerate pharmacists for administering COVID-19 booster vaccines is putting the entire booster program in jeopardy. The service is barely sustainable for us on the frontline!
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Thank your pharmacist this Thursday

Monday 14th March 2022

 

This Thursday, 17th March, is Thank Your Pharmacist Day, an occasion dedicated to acknowledging the efforts of Australian pharmacists throughout the pandemic.

 

Pharmacists have gone above and beyond for their patients over the past two years, and have been subjected to incredibly challenging conditions. This initiative from the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) puts pharmacists in the spotlight, seeking to give them the credit that they deserve.

 

PSA National President, A/Prof Chris Freeman, shed light on the occasion and encouraged everyone to get involved.

 

“Time and time again throughout the pandemic, our politicians have lauded the impact of Australia’s pharmacists, but this Thursday, we’re calling on them to take the next step by SHOWING their thanks.

 

“We would like to see politicians visit their local pharmacists to thank them for their efforts. They’ve talked the talked, now it’s time for them to walk the walk by showing their gratitude.

 

“Pharmacists, like many healthcare workers, have had no reprieve throughout the pandemic. They’ve stayed open when many primary healthcare providers closed their doors. Yet, unfair and inequitable pay discrepancies exist. Pharmacists are losing out.

 

“It’s simple, pharmacists must be paid at the same rate as any other professional for providing the same service – but in certain instances, this isn’t happening.

 

“As it stands, pharmacists are receiving substantially less than other immunisers for administering the same COVID-19 vaccine, an unfair pay disparity for providing exactly the same service. This is one of the many overlooked issues which requires urgent attention.

 

“Our pharmacists have worked too hard, at great personal expense, for these inequities in recognition and remuneration to go unaddressed by all governments, and through this occasion, we hope to give pharmacists the attention and recognition they deserve.

 

“We are also encouraging members of the public to take part in the initiative.

 

“While you’re at the pharmacy, get to know your pharmacists. Listen to their stories and further understand the challenges they face.

 

“You trust them with your medicines and your lives, so take some time out of your day to thank them for all their hard work and dedication,” A/Prof Freeman said.

 

 

 

Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463

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Exceptional NSW pharmacists recognised!

Saturday 12th March 2022

 

Outstanding pharmacists have been recognised at the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia’s (PSA) NSW Annual Therapeutic Update (ATU) conference held this evening in Newcastle.

 

The annual NSW ATU conference brings together the pharmacy profession to discuss the latest activity and innovation within the health sector to support the delivery of high-quality healthcare to the community.

 

During this annual event, the NSW Pharmacy Awards are held. These awards acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of outstanding NSW pharmacists through the Intern Pharmacist of the Year, Early Career Pharmacist of the Year, Pharmacist of the Year and the Lifetime Achievement awards.

 

This year’s winners are as follows:

  • Intern Pharmacist of the Year – Blake McCallum
  • Early Career Pharmacist of the Year – Dr Sarira El-den
  • Pharmacist of the Year – Lucian (Luke) Kelly
  • Lifetime Achievement – Grahame Cox

 

PSA’s NSW Branch President, Chelsea Felkai, congratulated the winners on their success and acknowledged their contributions.

 

“I congratulate this year’s award recipients for their substantial contribution to the profession, supporting the health and wellbeing of the NSW community.

 

“The calibre of submissions this year was once again very high, and it wasn’t an easy decision when you consider the way in which pharmacists have stepped up over the past two years,” she said.

 

Former NSW Branch Committee member and Hunter Valley-based pharmacist, Luke Kelly, was awarded Pharmacist of the Year for his contribution to pharmacy education, student mentoring and ground level support of community pharmacists.

 

“Luke has been recognised for his significant contribution to the pharmacy profession in New South Wales, and as he is President of the Newcastle Hunter Valley Pharmacists Association, it is fitting that he has received this honour here in Newcastle.

 

“He offers critical support services to community pharmacy and has supported the roll out of programs including My Health Record and other mental health initiatives across the region, notably, the depression screening program, EMPATHISE. He is also a pharmacist mentor in the national PharMIbridge trial,” Ms Felkai said.

 

Sydney-based pharmacist, Grahame Cox, an influential pharmacy academic, received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his significant contribution to Australian pharmacy over the course of 50 years.

 

“Grahame was amongst the second cohort of pharmacy students accepted into the University of Sydney, enrolled in the recently-established Bachelor of Pharmacy course in 1961. He was also instrumental in the formation of Pharmacy Graduates Association.

 

“In 1969, he was the first pharmacy graduate to be appointed to the Council of the Pharmaceutical Society, where he went on to serve for eight years.

 

“Over the course of his career he worked in community pharmacy, government and also served as an inspector with the NSW Pharmacy Council, all whilst lecturing at the University of Sydney and taking part in seminars and conferences on behalf of the PSA.

 

“His illustrious career, spanning over half a century, has had substantial impact on modern pharmacy across the state, and his advocacy for the profession has helped make Australian pharmacy what it is today,” Ms Felkai said.

 

Sarira El-den, Senior Lecturer at the University of Sydney, was named Early Career Pharmacist of the Year for her outstanding contribution to pharmacy education and research.

 

“Sarira has trained thousands of pharmacists around Australia in mental health. Her passion for pharmacy drives her to improve the way pharmacists care for vulnerable patients with mental health issues and she is an integral researcher in this field.

 

“She is one of the lead investigators in the PharMIbridge trial and has also led the development of training and educational resources which support perinatal women suffering from depression,” Ms Felkai said.

 

Broken Hill-based intern pharmacist, Blake McCallum, was awarded Intern Pharmacist of the Year for the exceptional level of support he has provided to rural and regional communities.

 

“Blake is a passionate, emerging pharmacist who has been integral in vaccinating rural and remote Western NSW communities against COVID-19.

 

“His knowledge base and exceptional clinical skills has had a significant impact on the Broken Hill community and his work with the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, Maari Ma Health, demonstrates his commitment to improving the health of his community,” Ms Felkai said.

 

PSA congratulates all winners on their achievements and thanks them for their service to pharmacy in NSW.

 

 

 

Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463

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Pharmacist named NSW Premier’s Woman of the Year!

9 March 2022

 

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) congratulates Anna Barwick on being named the NSW Premier’s Woman of the Year. The NSW Women of the Year Awards recognise and celebrate outstanding contributions from women across the state.

 

Ms Barwick, PSA’s 2021 NSW Pharmacist of the Year, was honoured by Premier Perrottet in Sydney this morning for her contribution to the state’s health system and telehealth more specifically. Ms Barwick also served on PSA’s NSW Branch Committee from July 2014 to June 2020.

 

A PhD candidate at the University of Queensland who hails from Walcha, Ms Barwick is the founder of PharmOnline, an innovative platform which connects Australian patients living in remote areas with pharmacy services.

 

PSA National President, A/Prof Chris Freeman, congratulated Anna on her achievement.

 

“On behalf of the PSA, I congratulate Anna on receiving this prestigious award – she is utterly deserving of such an honour.

 

“As a PSA member and last year’s Pharmacist of the Year in NSW, Anna’s efforts have ensured that Australians living in geographically remote areas can access essential healthcare, particularly in the management of safe medication use, irrespective of their location.

 

“Anna was also a recipient of PSA’s Pharmacy Shark Tank award at our national conference last year and PSA is proud to have supported Anna with her innovation.

 

“Anna truly embodies excellence in pharmacy, and on the back of International Women’s Day yesterday, I am delighted to see that an outstanding female pharmacist has been acknowledged for her devotion to improving the lives of the NSW community,” he said.

 

Upon receiving the award, Ms Barwick said her focus is to improve the health of Australians living in regional areas.

 

“It is an honour and a privilege to be recognised amongst an outstanding group of women in both the NSW Minerals Council Regional Woman and the Premier’s Woman Award. I would like to thank the sponsors and organisers from the Department of Communities and Justice, along with the Minister for Women, The Hon Bronnie Taylor, for championing women on IWD.

 

“I dedicate this honour to all pharmacists and pharmacy staff that remained available and supported their local communities throughout the pandemic. You are truly inspirational!

 

“My team of pharmacists is growing. They have a number of specialities that are not readily available in regional and rural areas, helping to reduce barriers to medication expertise and healthcare. I would like to thank them for putting their trust in me to create a new way to access pharmacists.

 

PSA congratulates Anna on her achievement and thanks her for her service to Australian pharmacy.

 

Learn more about Anna’s work in Australian Pharmacist

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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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