Queenslanders to access travel vaccinations from pharmacists

Pharmacists in Queensland will be able to protect more Queenslanders against vaccine-preventable diseases, including those that are recommended prior to travel, in a move welcomed by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA).

 

Trained pharmacists in Queensland will be able to administer cholera, diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (dTpa); diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis and poliomyelitis (dTpa-IPV); Haemophilus influenza type B; hepatitis A; meningococcal ACWY; poliomyelitis; and measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccines to people aged 16 years and above.
In addition, trained pharmacists will be able to administer the influenza vaccination to people aged 10 years and above.

 

PSA Queensland President Chris Campbell welcomed the announcement from Queensland Health Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young to expand pharmacist-administered vaccinations services in Queensland, and in particular to lower the minimum vaccination age from 16 years to 10 years for influenza vaccinations in readiness for the 2020 influenza season.

 

“This is particularly important given Queensland had a record breaking flu season in 2019 with more than 68,000 cases ’ Mr Campbell said. “Most Australians visit their pharmacist around 14 times a year. This high level of accessibility, combined with the trust consumers have in the profession, will encourage more people to get immunised.”

 

Mr Campbell commended the government’s decision to allow pharmacists to protect more Queenslanders from influenza and other vaccine-preventable diseases.

 

“Less than 40% of at-risk adults are considered to be fully vaccinated, and allowing trained pharmacists to administer more vaccines and to a wider cohort will significantly increase immunisation rates within the community,” he said.

 

“The administration of vaccines by pharmacists complements the excellent work done by GPs, nurses, Indigenous Health Workers and other immunisers. It increases immunisation rates and has a positive effect on the health of Queenslanders.

 

“As the peak national body for pharmacists, PSA has advocated for many years, including most recently in PSA’s Queensland pre-budget submission, to allow pharmacists to deliver more vaccinations to a wider age range of patients and for provision of pharmacist access to NIP stock. We will continue to work closely with the Queensland Government to achieve this.”

 

Pharmacists in Queensland have been instrumental in progressing pharmacist-administered vaccination services in Australia through the Queensland Pharmacists Immunisation Pilot (QPIP) in 2014.

 

PSA commends the Queensland Government and Queensland Health for continuing to progress the recommendations of the recent Pharmacy Inquiry by making use of pharmacists’ expertise and training to better protect the community against vaccine-preventable diseases through expansion of pharmacist-administered vaccinations.

 

 

Media contact: Mark Lock 0406 609 671

 

 

Notifiable conditions annual reporting. Brisbane: Queensland Health; 2020. At: https://www.health.qld.gov.au/clinical-practice/guidelines-procedures/diseases-infection/surveillance/reports/notifiable/annual

 

Menzies RI, Leask J, Royle J, MacIntyre CR. Vaccine myopia: adult vaccination also needs attention. The Medical Journal of Australia. 2017 Apr 3;206(6):238–9.

Innovative program improving health care across Barossa

Thursday, 20 February 2020

 

An innovative program designed to improve health care across the Barossa region has quickly demonstrated how integrating pharmacists into the primary care team improves treatment outcomes and reduces the risk of medication errors.

 

Funded by the Country SA PHN and delivered in partnership with PSA, the Pharmacist in General Practice project is underway in Tanunda, Kapunda and Angaston.

 

“Medicine is the most common way we treat health conditions in Australia,” PSA SA/NT Branch President, Robyn Johns said. “While medicines can be very good for us, unfortunately medication can also cause harm. PSA’s own research has found 250,000 Australians are hospitalised each year, with another 400,000 presenting to emergency departments, as a result of medication errors, inappropriate use, misadventure and interactions. At least half of these could have been prevented.

 

“PSA believes supporting pharmacists to spend more time in all health care settings is key to improving medicine safety and quality use of medicines. We commend Country SA PHN for initiating this program and working to incorporate pharmacists more comprehensively into the primary health care team.”

 

“Country SA PHN has been concerned about the preventable harm caused by medication mishaps in our communities. We are very pleased to fund and collaborate with the PSA to develop this program to help minimise these harms for our country South Australian communities,” said Country SA PHN Chief Executive Officer, Kim Hosking.

 

“Embedding pharmacists in our general practices is having a positive impact on the health of rural South Australians and can play an important role in minimising the number of medication-related hospital admissions.”

 

Local pharmacist Tanya Tran now spends four days a week in three Barossa general practices providing a range of services including medication reviews, advice and education, and liaison between the general practice, hospitals and community pharmacy.

 

“Since the project got underway in May 2019, patients have found it very valuable to be able to spend as much time as they need with a pharmacist in the general practice setting discussing their medications and any questions they might have,” Ms Tran revealed.

 

A qualified Diabetes Educator, Ms Tran’s engagement in general practice has expanded the support available to patients with this complex condition.
“We have recently conducted a trial designed to help people with diabetes manage their glucose and participants told me it has positively impacted their health and given them a new lease on life,” Ms Tran said.

 

“Part of my work is to liaise closely with community pharmacies in the region and keep up to date on medication availability. In recent months, our region has faced medication shortages and I can ensure general practitioners are not only kept informed of supply issues, but can access my expertise in terms of alternative treatments. I also provide advice on available new medications and medication guidelines. In this role, I can provide another set of eyes when it comes to medicine safety.”

 

Ms Tran has found her involvement in the project highly rewarding. “Working closely with the doctors in the practice and caring for patients has increased my clinical knowledge and ability,” Ms Tran said. “I feel like I learn something every day I am at work and have found this immensely satisfying.”

 

The Pharmacist in General Practice project is currently scheduled to run until June 2021.

 

 

Media contact: PSA Media 0487 922 176

Improving health outcomes for aged care residents in Strathalbyn

Thursday, 20 February 2020

 

A new program designed to improve the health care of aged care residents in Strathalbyn has quickly demonstrated how integrating pharmacists into the care team improves treatment outcomes and reduces medication related harm.
Funded by the Country SA PHN and delivered in partnership with PSA, Strathalbyn was the first region in the state to take part in the Pharmacists in Aged Care project.

 

“On average, aged care residents have 76 prescriptions dispensed a year. The number of medications a person needs to treat their health can impact medication adherence and increase the chance of medication errors,” PSA SA/NT Branch President, Robyn Johns said. “PSA’s own research has found 98 per cent of aged care residents have at least one medication-related problem and over half are exposed to at least one potentially inappropriate medicine.

 

“PSA believes supporting pharmacists to spend more time in aged care is key to improving medicine safety and quality use of medicines. We commend Country SA PHN for initiating this program and working to incorporate pharmacists more comprehensively into the primary health care team.”

 

“Country SA PHN has long recognised the problem of medicine safety in residential aged care. We’re very pleased to collaborate with the PSA to develop and fund this program to reduce harm and significantly improve the quality of life for those in residential aged care in rural South Australia,” said Country SA PHN, Chief Executive Officer, Kim Hosking.

 

“As a Primary Health Network, we are also pleased to see that medicine safety has been recognised as a priority by Federal and State Governments in the Aged Care Royal Commission’s Interim Report. We’re delighted to see that embedding pharmacists in rural South Australian residential aged care facilities is already having a positive impact on resident’s health and wellbeing.”

 

Since the program began late last year, local pharmacist Stacey Putland has been working one day a week at the Strathalbyn & District Aged Care Facility providing a range of services including medication reviews, advice to care staff, and liaison between the facility and community pharmacy.

 

“Generally, pharmacists are able to provide a Residential Medication Management Review to an aged care resident every two years,” Ms Putland explained. “This is a comprehensive assessment to identify, resolve and prevent medication-related problems. When you consider the number of medications aged care residents take and how frequently their medication may change, two years can be a long time between reviews.”

 

By being present in the facility, Ms Putland can now undertake on the spot medication reviews and follow up based on resident need.

 

The recent interim report of the Aged Care Royal Commission highlighted concerns around the use of psychotropic medications in aged care. Ms Putland believes this is another health care challenge the program can help to address.

 

“Our care team has already been able to cooperatively assess a number of residents taking high-risk medicines and either reduce or cease their dose,” Ms Putland said. “My experience suggests that pharmacists can play a valuable role in determining when and how the step down should occur, to ensure the best outcomes for residents. By being on site, I can spend more time getting to know residents and their families, gaining a more in-depth understanding of their individual circumstances and can tailor my advice accordingly.”

 

Ms Putland’s time at the facility enables staff to utilise her medication expertise. “We recently had a resident start a new injectable medicine for treatment of a chronic condition that staff were unfamiliar with. I was able to provide advice around its use and because I spend regular time at the facility, I could catch-up with different staff on different shifts.”

 

“The work I have been able to undertake through this program is incredibly rewarding,” Ms Putland said. “ There’s been great support in this community, from the local community pharmacy, general practitioners, facility staff, residents and their families, even before the project, for a collaborative approach to care. With this project funding we can increase the impact of the pharmacist on medication safety and resident health and well-being.

 

 

The Strathalbyn Pharmacist in Residential Aged Care project is currently scheduled to run until
June 2021.

 

Media contact: PSA Media 0487 922 176

New program improving health care in Port Lincoln

Thursday, 20 February 2020

 

A new program designed to improve health care in Port Lincoln has quickly demonstrated how integrating pharmacists into the primary care team improves treatment outcomes and reduces the risk of medication errors.

 

Funded by the Country SA PHN and delivered in partnership with PSA, the Port Lincoln Pharmacist in General Practice project kicked off just a few weeks before Christmas.

 

“Medicine is the most common way we treat health conditions in Australia,” PSA SA/NT Branch President, Robyn Johns said. “While medicines can be very good for us, unfortunately medication can also cause harm. PSA’s own research has found 250,000 Australians are hospitalised each year, with another 400,000 presenting to emergency departments, as a result of medication errors, inappropriate use, misadventure and interactions. At least half of these could have been prevented.

 

“PSA believes supporting pharmacists to spend more time in all health care settings is key to improving medicine safety and quality use of medicines. We commend Country SA PHN for initiating this program and working to incorporate pharmacists more comprehensively into the primary health care team.”

 

“Country SA PHN has been concerned about the preventable harm caused by medication mishaps in our communities. We are very pleased to fund and collaborate with the PSA to develop this program to help minimise these harms for our country South Australian communities,” said Country SA PHN Chief Executive Officer, Kim Hosking.

 

“Embedding pharmacists in our general practices is having a positive impact on the health of rural South Australians and can play an important role in minimising the number of medication-related hospital admissions.”

 

Kylie van Rooijen has been working one and a half days a week in the Boston Bay Family Health Clinic providing a range of services including medication reviews, advice and education, and liaison between the general practice, hospitals and community pharmacy.

 

“Boston Bay Family Health is an innovative practice which is always looking for ways to improve health care services in our community,” Ms van Rooijen revealed. “They have been very supportive of this project and welcomed me into the practice.

 

While the project is only in its early days. Ms van Rooijen believes the potential benefits are significant.

 

“A key point in the health care journey where medication problems can arise is the transition from hospital in Adelaide back to the community,” Ms van Rooijen explained. “I view my job as being a medication translator. By reconciling hospital discharge summaries with general practice health records and conducting patient consultations, I reduce the possibility of medication problems such as treatment courses not being completed or a person failing to restart taking a vital medication which they were taken off during their hospital stay.”

 

“Available medications and the guidelines for their use change frequently. Pharmacists need to stay up to date with these changes and in this role I can ensure the clinic’s general practitioners and registrars can easily and quickly access this information, giving them more time to spend in patient care and improving safe and quality use of medicines.

 

Training as a Diabetes Educator, Ms van Rooijen looks forward to expanding the support available to the clinic’s patients.
“Boston Bay is a General Practice with a significant interest in GP obstetrics and together we can offer increased advice and care to mother’s-to-be who have gestational diabetes,” Ms van Rooijen said.

 

With a career spanning 30 years, Ms van Rooijen believes this project will develop new ways to deliver health care that will attract and inspire future generations of pharmacists.

 

“I have loved working as a pharmacist, but my passion has definitely been reignited through my involvement in this project,” Ms van Rooijen said.

 

The Pharmacist in General Practice project is currently scheduled to run until June 2021.

 

Media contact: PSA Media 0487 922 176

Utilise pharmacist workforce to care for community

Measures proposed by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) in its pre-Budget Submission are aimed at protecting Western Australians from preventable diseases and reducing pressure on the state’s hospital system.

 

In its 2020-21 Pre-Budget Submission, PSA identified three priority areas of action which will positively impact on health care and outcomes.

 

“Contributing to the burden on our hospitals is the significant number of presentations by patients with less-serious ailments, such as minor pain management or cold and flu,” PSA WA President, Dr Fei Sim said.

 

Of Western Australia’s 954,981 emergency department presentations during 2018-19, 74,032 were considered non-urgent.

 

Seventy percent of non-urgent presentations to emergency departments occur between the hours of 9am and 7pm, during the typical business hours of a community pharmacy.

 

“Recent research shows pharmacists have the skills and expertise to support patients who would currently seek care from a hospital,” Dr Sim said. “Pharmacists can provide self-care advice or triage patients and refer them to the appropriate health service.”

 

“In addition to pharmacists having the ability to provide quality care, the accessibility of the state’s 660 community pharmacies is a key reason why West Australians will consider them a viable alternative to a hospital when they have a relatively minor ailment. Most suburbs and towns have a local pharmacy, even when other health care services may be scarce. Each day, 140,000 West Australians visit a community pharmacy.”

 

To increase vaccination rates in Western Australia, PSA is recommending expanding the range of vaccines trained pharmacists are able to administer.

 

“Pharmacists are already authorised to provide vaccinations, but there are some limiting restrictions, For example, pharmacists can only provide diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis vaccine to people over the age of 16. Supporting pharmacist immunisers gives our community more choice and access and therefore increases our herd immunity as more Western Australians are protected against infectious diseases.”

 

In addition, PSA’s Pre-Budget Submission asks the Government to allocate funding to upskill pharmacists in mental health first aid.

 

“Nearly half of all Australians will experience a mental health illness in their lifetime,” Dr Sim said. “Mental health challenges are even more common in rural and remote areas where pharmacists are often the most accessible healthcare professional.

 

“Pharmacists are well placed to support patients in the community and identify them early so they can be referred to appropriate mental health providers, including general practitioners.”

 

In Western Australia, there are 3,132 registered pharmacists working in community pharmacies, hospital, general practice, aged care, academia, research, government and within other private sector organisations.

 

Media contact: Christianne White, PSA Western Australia – 0415 213 661

 

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Utilise pharmacists to protect health of Queenslanders

Team approach to patient care a win for all

Friday, 31 January 2020

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes changes to the Workforce Incentive Program (WIP) which come into effect tomorrow and are designed to increase consumer access to an expanded primary care team of experts committed to improving every patient’s health.

 

“For the first time, pharmacists will be included as one of the allied health professionals general practices can engage through the Workforce Incentive Program,” PSA National President, Associate Professor Chris Freeman said.

 

“Research shows integrating a pharmacist into the primary care team can improve health outcomes for patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes, osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease; and reduce medicine-related problems, total number of medicines and inappropriately prescribed medicines.”

 

The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners has also welcomed the changes, with RACGP President Dr Harry Nespolon noting “This is a positive development. The RACGP values team-based models of care in which a range of healthcare professionals can contribute towards patient health outcomes, maximising use of their skills within their scope of practice.”

 

While PSA commends the Commonwealth for supporting general practices to employ pharmacists, it is concerned the funding cap will limit practices’ ability to do so.

 

In its recent Federal Budget submission, PSA called for the value of the WIP per Standardised Whole Patient Equivalent and the upper limit cap on larger general practices to both be increased by 50 per cent.

 

“We estimate integrating pharmacists into general practice would yield a net saving of $544.87 million to the health system over four years,” A/Prof Freeman revealed.

 

“In the meantime, PSA would encourage general practices and pharmacists to consider the opportunity the current expansion of the WIP creates and consider how they can work together to improve health outcomes in their local community.”

 

PSA recommends that all pharmacists who want to work in general practice complete the PSA General Practice Pharmacist: Foundation Stage Training Program as a minimum training requirement.

 

A general practice pharmacist works collaboratively with GPs and other health professionals to support the quality use of medicines. The role is complementary to the role of pharmacists working in other settings. PSA’s training program has modules on working with other health professionals as well as a module on collaborating with community pharmacists.

 

 

“Over 150 pharmacists have completed general practice pharmacist training through PSA. This provides a skilled and willing cohort of medicine experts ready and able to be part of the general practice team,” A/Prof Freeman said. “This is a great start and we look forward to growing this workforce in the future.”

 

PSA also provides a wide range of practice support tools including the Guidelines for General Practice Pharmacists, activity checklists and needs assessment for General Practice Pharmacists.

 

General practice pharmacist Katja Naunton-Boom has seen the impact an expanded care team has on patient health: Patients have access to multiple health professional in one visit; for example, seeing the nurse for a care plan or health assessment; then seeing the pharmacist to review their medication, check for interactions, side effects, check if doses are correct check if they still need all the medication, write a medication list; then discuss the recommendations with the nurse and the doctor. Any changes needed can be made on the spot. I can then explain any changes to the patient. I can communicate with their usual community pharmacy and if necessary, follow up over the telephone to see how the patient is going after the changes are made.

 

 

Originally employed by a general practice as part of a trial, the response from patients, doctors and other health professionals to Katja’s engagement in the care team was so positive the practice continued the role.

 

“It is great to see pharmacists in general practice recognised as part of the WIP. It is certainly a step in the right direction but I do think more funding is needed so that a pharmacist and a nurse can be employed by a GP practice,” Mrs Naunton-Boom said.

 

Further information about training and other practice support for pharmacists working in general practice can be found at www-dev/gppharmacist.

 

Media contact: PSA Media, 0487 922 176

Patients to benefit with funding to expand pharmacists role

Wednesday, 29 January 2020

 

Lives will be saved and health outcomes improved through fully using the expertise and accessibility of Australia’s pharmacists, providing a positive return on investment, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia has emphasised in its 2020-21 Federal Budget Submission.

 

“Accessibility to health care is a major challenge in this country,” National President, Associate Professor Chris Freeman said. “Some members of our community do not get the health care they need and deserve. As our population ages and the number of people with chronic conditions continues to rise, we need to be innovative and use our resources efficiently.

 

“Our healthcare system will benefit from improvements to patients’ health and wellbeing through the better use of pharmacists’ knowledge and expertise. Older Australians, particularly those in aged care, rely on medicines as part of their treatment but are particularly vulnerable to medicine-related harm. Ninety eight per cent of aged care residents have at least one medication related problem.

 

“Over half of aged care residents are exposed to at least one potentially inappropriate medicine. What we know from the Aged Care Royal Commission interim report is that this is often a sedative or psychotropic medicine that can make them drowsy and more likely to experience a harm. It has been estimated the use of psychotropic medicines in aged care is only clearly justified in about 10 per cent of cases.”

 

PSA is seeking resources and support to enable pharmacists working in aged care to improve the safer use of medicines for patients. Funding of $8.7 million over four years would establish a Medicine Safety in Aged Care Resources and Support program which would develop, disseminate, implement and evaluate evidence-based resources for aged care facilities and reduce the current reliance on high-risk medicines.

 

Associate Professor Freeman said Australians living in rural and remote parts of the country were one of the main groups to struggle with health care accessibility, many having to travel great distances to see a GP or go to hospital. Rural and remote patients tend to turn to their pharmacist, who are often the only health care provider in a community.

 

“It has been very clear during the recent bushfire emergency the role of rural pharmacists and their willingness to step up in times of need. We want to be able to support our rural pharmacists to do more to be able to help their communities,” he said.

 

“Investing in a Rural Pharmacy Enhanced Services Program will help keep pharmacists in the bush and support delivery of services such as smoking cessation, chronic disease management, health screening, wound care and mental health triage and referral.”

 

The use of opioid medicines in Australia has increased dramatically in recent decades associated with increasing use in the management of chronic pain and post-surgical pain.

 

“Tragically, over three Australians die each day from opioid overdose, the majority involving the use of pharmaceutical opioids,” Associate Professor Freeman said. “Between 2007 and 2016, the rate of opioid deaths rose by 62 per cent. In 2016-17, 15.4 million opioid prescriptions were dispensed under the PBS to 3.1 million Australians.”

 
“A collaborative opioid stewardship program, actively supported by pharmacists, will allow us to improve, monitor and evaluate opioid use and increase safety and effectiveness of opioid use and pain management in primary care.”

 

The Commonwealth Government’s Workforce Incentive Program (WIP) strengthens multidisciplinary primary care by supporting general practices to engage allied health professionals including non-dispensing pharmacists.

 

“Pharmacists in primary care make a difference by providing advice and education on medicine safety and quality use of medicines and reducing the risk of medicine problems as patients transition between care providers,” Assoc Prof Freeman explained.

 

“PSA would like this valuable program expanded further. Integrating pharmacists into general practice is expected to yield a net saving of $544.87 million to the health system over four years.”

 

PSA also proposes establishing the role of Chief Pharmacist within the Australian Government Department of Health. The Chief Pharmacist would provide direction and high-level advice on all pharmacy and medicines issues and complement the work of the Chief Medical Officer.

 

A full copy of the PSA Federal Budget Submission is available here.

 

Media contact: PSA Media – 0487 922 176

QUT takes PSOTY Wildcard 2020 at NAPSA Congress

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) congratulates Melinda James of Queensland University of Technology (Queensland) for securing the Pharmacy Student of the Year (PSOTY) Wildcard title at NAPSA Congress in Newcastle.

 

The PSOTY Wildcard final was fiercely contested amongst a group of talented students across Australia, including:

• JOSHUA CLEMENTS – GRIFFITH UNIVERSITY (Queensland)
• KURTIS GRAY – UNIVERSITY OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA (Western Australia)
• MADELINE HILLS – UNIVERSITY OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA (Western Australia)
• MELINDA JAMES – QUEENSLAND UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY (Queensland)
• MAEGAN JOHNSON – LATROBE UNIVERSITY (Victoria)
• ANTONI UKALOVIC – CURTIN UNIVERSITY (Western Australia)

 

Proudly supported by Mylan, the Pharmacy Student of the Year counselling competition recognises pharmacy students by showcasing their counselling skills to the pharmacy profession. Students are given the opportunity to utilise their clinical knowledge and implement their counselling skills using real life pharmacy scenarios.

 

“It is refreshing to see such capable and passionate students in this competition that are the future of pharmacy”, PSA National President, Associate Professor Chris Freeman said. “Active listening, gaining adequate patient insights and checking patient understanding are important skills that support medicines safety and maximise patient outcomes”.

 

Melinda James as the PSOTY Wildcard winner will travel to the PSA20 National Conference held in Sydney from 31st July – 2nd August 2020, to compete for the national title of Pharmacy Student of the Year 2020.

 

Media contact: PSA Media – 0487 922 176

 

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PSA congratulates pharmacists honoured on Australia Day

Sunday, 27 January 2020

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) congratulates pharmacists and Life Members Emeritus Professor Bruce Sunderland, Mrs Jocelyn Watson and Mr Maxwell Page on their Australia Day Honours.

 

“Each pharmacist recognised on Australia Day represents the contribution members of our profession make to their local communities, and more broadly, each and every day,” PSA National President, Associate Professor Chris Freeman said.

 

Emeritus Professor Bruce Sunderland (Western Australia) was awarded Member (AM) of the Order of Australia for his significant service to education, particularly to pharmacy. Emeritus Professor Sunderland, a Life Fellow of the PSA has had a distinguished career at Curtin University in Western Australia commencing in 1968. He taught more than a generation of pharmacists in Western Australia and his publications and teachings have heavily impacted the profession of pharmacy.

 

PSA acknowledges the lifetime activities of Emeritus Professor Sunderland in his significant academic and practice roles and the work that he has done as an editorial board member of the Australian Pharmaceutical Formulary and Handbook.

 

Mrs Jocelyn Watson (Tasmania) was awarded the Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia for service to the community of Launceston. A long serving member of many community groups, Mrs Watson has also had an impactful career in pharmacy. A mentor for many younger pharmacists, with many numerous roles in pharmacy including with the former Pharmacy Board of Tasmania, she has contributed immensely to professional pharmacy practice within Tasmania.

 

Mr Maxwell Page (Western Australia), a PSA Life Member, has been awarded the honour of Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia for service to the performing arts in Western Australia. Mr Page has been a pharmacist, a member of the PSA and has made significant contribution to pharmacy education in WA as a lecturer at Curtin University School of Pharmacy for over 40 years.

 

“I congratulate Bruce, Jocelyn and Max for their commitment to pharmacy and improving health care in this country,” A/Prof Freeman said.

 

“Our pharmacists give generously of their expertise, time and support – often behind the scenes and without expectation of anything in return. It is heartwarming to today see these leading members of our profession publicly thanked on the national stage and providing inspiration to others.”

 

Media contact: PSA Media, 0487 922 176