PSA delivers MRFF funding deal to enhance medicine safety

Friday 25 September 2020

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has welcomed funding for medicines safety and quality use of medicines research that the Federal Government has announced today, with a $25 million investment through the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).

 

The grant opportunity will be available to support the Quality Use of Medicines and Medicine Safety National Health Priority, aimed at improving access to medicines and the safe use of medicines in the community.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Chris Freeman welcomed the announcement and said research undertaken through this funding will go a long way in improving the health of Australians through medicine safety.

 

“The intended outcome of the research grant opportunity is to reduce the amount of medicine-related harm in the community and help promote the safe and effective use of medicines,” he said.

 

“This is on the back of PSA seminal Medicine Safety: Take Care report which showed, 250,000 Australians are hospitalised each year and another 400,000 present to emergency departments as a result of medication error, misuse and misadventure, costing Australia $1.4 billion in hospital admissions.

 

“The Health Minister’s commitment to PSA to progress the National Health Priority Area included progressing research initiatives that would seek to improve medicines safety and the quality use of medicines. I am pleased that the Minister was able to finalise this announcement to coincide with World Pharmacists Day.

 

“This continues the commitment that successive governments have had through Community Pharmacy Agreements to continue to encourage and foster innovation in the role of pharmacists.”

 

The first round of the MRFF grant opportunity will allocate $13 million to support medical research and medical innovation projects and will open on 6 October 2020.

 

As part of World Pharmacists Day 2020, the Federal Government also announced that existing medicines-related COVID-19 measures, including the Home Medicines Service and Continued Dispensing emergency arrangements will continue for at least another six months.

 

A/Prof Freeman welcomed the extensions but once again called on the Government to make Continued Dispensing arrangements permanent.

 

“With COVID-19 still posing considerable risk in parts of Australia these arrangements are important to ensure Australians can continue to safely access essential medicines,” he said.

 

“We continue to urge the government to make emergency supply provisions of this nature standard practice and it is important that all Australians are supported and have access to vital medicines when faced with an emergency or disaster.”

 

Also announced by the Federal Government, from 1 January 2021, to help people take the right dose of medicine at the right time, changes to the Dose Administration Aids program will increase the base cap from 30 to 60.

 

Media contact: PSA Media: 0487 922 176

World Pharmacists Day – recognising the significant contribution

Thursday 24 September 2020

 

This year’s World Pharmacists Day on Friday 25 September provides an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the incredible work and dedication of pharmacists over the past year.

 

Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) National President Associate Professor Chris Freeman said 2020 has been an extraordinary year, one where pharmacists have gone above and beyond to serve the community under significant stress.

 

“Pharmacists have remained accessible, approachable and have put themselves in harm’s way to ensure that patients have had the care they need, when they need it,” he said.

 

“Throughout the bushfire crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic in particular, pharmacists have stood tall and responded to the most challenging of circumstances and I am incredibly proud of how the profession has met that challenge head on.

 

“Our profession is the bedrock of many parts of the health system, and as an essential service has been called upon by governments and the public to protect the most vulnerable in our society and to continue to care for patients.”

 

Despite the many challenges faced by the profession in recent times, pharmacists continue to provide their patients with the best healthcare and as medicines experts ensure that all Australians are using their medications properly.

 

A/Prof Freeman said it is pharmacists that have been the glue that has kept many parts of the health system functioning during difficult times.

 

“Now is the time for the shackles to be taken off and for government to thank pharmacists for the extraordinary role they have played in addressing the challenges of COVID-19,” he said.

 

“Pharmacists practising to full scope and being remunerated appropriately for not only the sacrifices made but expert skills and training must be the acknowledgement and clear support from governments and policy makers must ensure there is the reward for the incredible effort.

 

“While today is a time for us to celebrate our profession and reflect on the past twelve months, it is also an opportunity for us to look forward to the next year and beyond.”

 

Media contact: PSA Media: 0487 922 176

Exceptional Tasmanian pharmacists honoured

Wednesday 23 September 2020

 

As part of World Pharmacists Week, two exceptional Tasmanian pharmacists have been recognised for their professionalism and commitment to the profession in the 2020 Tasmanian Pharmacist Awards hosted by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA), Pharmacy Guild, Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia and the University of Tasmania.

 

Despite the Tasmanian Pharmacy Dinner being cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions, Dianne Brown received the Lifetime Achievement Award from Tasmania Minister for Health Sarah Courtney with Ilwoo Park claiming the Early Career Pharmacist of the Year Award, presented by PSA Tasmania Branch President Dr Ella van Tienen.

 

Dr van Tienen congratulated both winners who are grassroots pharmacists that have played key roles in serving their communities.

 

“This year more than ever we need to celebrate pharmacists on the frontline who have kept their doors open, provided essential medicines, PPE and advice,” she said.

“Dianne’s commitment to community pharmacy and in particular the community of Ravenswood where she has owned the pharmacy and practiced for the past 35 years is to be commended.

 

“Dianne began her pharmacy career 45 years ago and her unconditional devotion to the healthcare of the people in the communities that she has served is undeniably a true testament to a loyal, hard-working, honest, reliable grassroots professional.”

 

Dr van Tienen also paid tribute to Ilwoo Park, a highly motivated Early Career Pharmacist who is committed to her practice, patients and giving back to the profession.

 

“Ilwoo brings her enthusiasm and professionalism to every task and has become involved within the local community as a volunteer Ambulance Officer and a member of the local Rotary Club,” she said.

 

“Having worked in a number of pharmacies in Western Australia and Tasmania, Ilwoo is often sent in to help get pharmacies back on track and the future is in very safe hands with early career pharmacists like her coming through the ranks.”

 

Tasmanian Pharmacy Guild President John Dowling also paid tribute to the award winners.

 

“It’s fantastic to recognise hard working community pharmacists who turn up every day and serve their local communities, ensuring medication safety and adherence for patients and making in some cases lifelong connections,” he said.

 

“We find that when community pharmacists are nominated for this award they often state ‘but I haven’t done anything special-just my job’, we know however that without community pharmacists doing ‘their job’ the health of thousands of Tasmanians would suffer.”

 

The 2021 awards will be held 20 February as part of the Tasmanian Pharmacy Conference Hosted by the Pharmacy Guild.

 

Media contact: PSA Media: 0487 922 176

 

Australian pharmacists recognised at FIP Congress

 

Australian Pharmacy has been well represented at the virtual International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) congress with University of Sydney School of Pharmacy Professor of Medicines Use Optimisation Parisa Aslani elected as one of three new Vice Presidents of FIP.

 

Along with Professor Aslani’s appointment, Monash University’s Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Dean, Professor Bill Charman was named as the winner of the inaugural  Kamal K. Midha Award for Exceptional Leadership.

 

Professor Charman was also one of eight pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists to be made an FIP Fellow during the opening ceremony.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Chris Freeman congratulated Professor Aslani on her significant appointment.

 

“It is great to see Australian pharmacy being represented on the world stage by exceptional pharmacists like Professor Aslani,” he said.

 

“The honour of being named Vice President of the FIP follows significant dedication and leadership at the highest levels and presents great opportunity to better connect Australian pharmacy practice to the rest of the world.”

 

A/Prof Freeman also recognised the achievement of Professor Charman in not only winning the inaugural Kamal K Midha award but being made an FIP Fellow.

 

“An FIP Fellowship recognises individual members of FIP who have exhibited strong leadership internationally and distinguished themselves in pharmacy practice or the pharmaceutical sciences,” he said.

 

“To also receive the very first Kamal K. Midha Award shows Professor Charman’s significant service and leadership in advancing the pharmacy profession.”

 

Professor Ross McKinnon from Australia was also named as the new chair of the Board of Pharmaceutical Sciences.

 

Media contact: PSA Media 0487 922 176

PSA congratulates and welcomes productive relationship with new RACGP President

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) congratulates Dr Karen Price who has been elected President of the Royal Australian College of General Practioners (RACG).

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Chris Freeman said he was looking forward to working with Dr Price to improve how pharmacists and GPs can work together going forward.

 

“A collaborative approach between pharmacists and GPs is needed now more than ever to focus on patient outcomes and impacts rather than attempts to undermine one another,” he said.

 

“Dr Price has indicated a collaborative approach with other healthcare groups is important to provide a united force in dealing with government and I could not agree more with this statement.

 

“Pharmacists remain ready and willing to work with GPs to improve patient outcomes and although we will not always agree, it is important to work together wherever possible.

 

“I congratulate Dr Price on her appointment and look forward to a positive and productive relationship going forward.”

 

Dr Price will assume her position at the close of the RACGP’s Annual General Meeting on 30 November 2020.

 

Media contact: PSA media: 0487 922 176

Exceptional WA pharmacists recognised

Wednesday 9 September 2020

 

Three exceptional Western Australian (WA) pharmacists have been recognised for their high standards, professionalism and commitment to pharmacy in the PSA WA pharmacy awards.

 

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a ceremony was unable to be held however the winners were presented their awards in person by PSA WA President Dr Fei Sim.

 

Angela Boyatzis received the Pharmacist of the Year Award and Karis Butler Early Career Pharmacist of the Year with Pascale Ng Cheong Tin presented the Lifetime Achievement Award.

 

Dr Sim congratulated Ms Boyatzis on her achievement and impressive work in the area of sleep management and health care.

 

“Angela has not only trained extensively in the area of sleep but has also implemented this service in her pharmacy to her patients and trained other colleagues as well,” she said.

 

“Over the years, Angela has strengthened ties with other health professionals including doctors, physiotherapists and dietitians and she is driven to provide the best health care to her many patients for a long period.

 

“Angela is an excellent example of the good work pharmacists do on a daily basis and I congratulate her on this much deserved award.

 

Dr Sim also paid tribute to Early Career Pharmacist of the Year Karis Butler who has improved burns management and care provided to burns patients in community pharmacy.

 

“Karis is a passionate Early Career Pharmacist who is driven to improve burns management in community pharmacy,” she said.

 

“Noticing a gap when it came to burns management, Karis has worked tirelessly towards closing this gap working closely with The Fiona Wood Foundation and guiding other pharmacists on how to implement important steps in their pharmacy when it came to burns management.

 

“Our profession is in safe hands with early career pharmacists like Karis coming through the ranks and I thank her for her contribution to our profession.”

 

In congratulating Pascale Ng Cheong Ng Tin on her lifetime Achievement award, Dr Sim pointed to her dedication of over 30 years spent educating the next generation of pharmacists.

 

“Pascale has made significant contributions to the pharmacy profession as an educator, advocate and innovator,” she said.

 

“Her positive impact has been felt by many and the positive feedback from her students, who are now pharmacists, is testimony to her selfless character and enthusiasm in educating future pharmacists.

 

“As a long standing fellow of PSA who keeps giving back to the profession, Pascale is indeed a real asset to pharmacy.

 

Media contact: Western Australia State Manager Christianne White: 0415 213 661

Pharmacy pen pal program reducing social isolation among older Western Australians

Tuesday 8 September 2020

 

To help reduce social isolation among older patients, Western Australia Intern Pharmacist Tahlia Parisella set up a pen pal program between patients at her Bicton pharmacy and a local primary school.

 

Inspired by the television program Old People’s Home for 4 Year Olds, Tahlia saw a need to do more to assist older patients she would regularly see when delivering medicines, in particular webster-paks.

 

“The patients would always want me to come inside and have a tea or coffee and I might be the only person they see for a couple days or even a week in some cases and I wanted to do something to help,” she said.

 

“Needing to do a project for my internship we initially had an idea to do the pen pal letters along with semi-regular meetups but then COVID-19 happened so we have just done the letters and hopefully we can include the meetups later on, when restrictions are lifted.

 

“Social isolation has become so much more prominent because of COVID-19 and pharmacists being so accessible to older patients it was a good option for us to reach out to them and see if we could help.

 

“I first pitched the idea to my delivery patients and they were interested and after that we briefed the staff about what our idea was and how it would work and it grew from there.”

 

Over the last two months, 25 older patients from Gerald Burns Pharmacy have participated in the project along with 25 children from Bicton Primary School between years 4-6, sending letters to each other on average every two to four weeks.

 

Tahlia said the patients always come in looking forward to their letters and are excited to hopefully meet up with the children eventually.

 

“Some of these people have the most incredible stories to share and are prone to being a bit lonely and vulnerable living alone and this program gives them something to look forward to,” she said.

 

“There are a lot of intergenerational topics they write about to each other with the school children talking about TikTok and the older patients writing about living through the war and things like that, it is really great for them to share life experiences.”

 

Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) Western Australia Branch President Dr Fei Sim said this public health program is a very innovative way to assist older patients to reduce social isolation during COVID-19 that could lead to more serious mental health problems.

 

“This is such a great initiative and really showcases how pharmacies and community pharmacists are integral to local communities,” she said.

 

“It provides an alternative lens to holistic healthcare provided by pharmacists in the community which extends beyond conventional consultations, very innovative and impactful.

“While a lot of the focus has been on COVID-19 in recent times it is important we don’t neglect other health conditions including those relating to mental health.

“I commend Tahlia and her colleagues for setting up this program that is not only heartwarming but of great benefit to both the patients and school children and is something that could easily be implemented in other pharmacies across Western Australia.”

“We regularly see many of our intern pharmacists in Western Australia implement projects that have led to positive patient outcomes particularly during COVID-19.”

Media contact: PSA Media 0487 922 176

COVID-19 Vaccine: Utilise pharmacists for large scale rollout

Monday 7 September 2020

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is calling on all state and territory governments to ensure that legislative amendments are made now so that approved COVID-19 vaccines can be administered by pharmacists.

 

The Federal Government today announced COVID-19 vaccines would be made available to Australians next year free of charge if trials are successful and they are proven to be safe and effective, meeting all necessary regulatory requirements.

 

The Queensland Government has already passed legislation that will allow pharmacists to administer a COVID-19 vaccine.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Chris Freeman said administering a COVID-19 vaccine will be the primary way out of this pandemic and we will need all hands on deck to ensure that there is wide and comprehensive update of the vaccine.

 

“Some state and territory governments have already passed legislation that will allow pharmacists to administer the COVID-19 vaccine if and when it becomes available and pharmacists are more than capable and qualified to provide this service, he said.

 

“A proactive approach to legislative amendments now means that when the vaccine is available all jurisdictions around Australia will be ready to go, with the entire available health care workforce including pharmacists able to undertake a large-scale vaccination program.

 

“PSA has written to state and territory governments asking that any required legislative amendments are made now in preparation for when the vaccine becomes available.

 

“We strongly recommend that the existing community pharmacy wholesale supply chain arrangements to facilitate delivery of the vaccine stock into community pharmacies.”

 

This year in response to the pandemic threat, there have been almost  one million doses of flu vaccines administered to Australians through the existing pharmacist network, all while continuing to serve local communities and maintaining frontline PBS medication supply.

 

As part of the recently signed seventh community pharmacy agreement the Federal Government committed to supporting for harmonization of pharmacist vaccines across all Australian jurisdictions.

 

A/Prof Freeman said recently we have seen pharmacists with improved vaccination scope provided to the community and the delivery of the COVID-19 vaccine should be viewed no differently.

 

“The large scale rollout of this vaccine can only be achieved by also utilising pharmacist immunisers conveniently located in the community across Australia,” he said.

 

“This will be particularly critical in rural and remote areas where there may be a limited number of GPs.”

 

Media contact: PSA Media 0487 922 176

 

PSA call on NT political parties to support pharmacists reduce medication harm

Wednesday 19 August 2020

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) calls on Northern Territory political parties to commit to improve the health and wellness of Territorians through pharmacist-led initiatives which improve medicine safety and access to essential medicines.

 

PSA SA/NT Branch President Robyn Johns said that Northern Territory pharmacists skills and training were not being put to full use.

 

“The upcoming election is the ideal time to commit to new reforms for a healthier Northern Territory,” she said.

 

“PSA urges all Northern Territory political parties to take full advantage of the highly trained workforce by committing $600,000 for a two year trial of embedding pharmacists into three Darwin aged care facilities to reduce harm caused by medicines.

 

“Ninety-eight percent of residents in aged-care facilities have at least one medicine-related problem and eighty percent are prescribed inappropriate medicines.

 

“Pharmacists working within aged care having been shown to improve medicine safety and reduce the risk of medicine related hospitilisation caused particularly by psychotropic, opioids and sedative medicines.

 

PSA also urges political parties to focus on harm reduction strategies including funding 500 doses of intranasal naloxone through pharmacies to reduce deaths from opioid overdoses.

 

Ms Johns said funding the distribution of take-home naloxone nasal sprays will save the lives of Territorians, particularly in locations where ambulances have to travel long distances to provide emergency care.

 

“We also ask for the elected political party to work with PSA to develop online opioid pharmacotherapy training program for pharmacists to increase access to opioid replacement therapy,” she said.

 

“PSA currently offers a similar program in Victoria and pharmacists who undergo specific training in methadone and buprenorphine supply report greater confidence and willingness to offer pharmacotherapy services in community pharmacy.”

 

Media contact: PSA SA/NT State Manager Helen Stone: 0418 846 426