Budget supports embedding pharmacists in aged care but ignores pay disparities for pharmacists’ services

Tuesday 29 March 2022

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes funding for embedding pharmacists into aged care but is disappointed that unfair disparities in pharmacist remuneration for key services have been overlooked in this year’s Federal Budget.

 

PSA National President, A/Prof Chris Freeman, was frustrated that no commitments were made to improving remuneration for pharmacists’ services in tonight’s Federal Budget.

 

“Whilst we are delighted that the Minister has recognised the important role that pharmacists play, by recently announcing $345.7 million in funding to embed pharmacists in aged care facilities, the fact that fair remuneration for services that pharmacists provide has once again been overlooked by the Government is a bitter pill to swallow.

 

“Despite the immense pressure they’ve been subjected to over the past 24 months and the overwhelming appreciation shown by politicians on Thank Your Pharmacist Day two weeks ago, the Government will continue to significantly undervalue pharmacists for their services for the foreseeable future.

 

“The Government’s failure to rectify these inequalities is unacceptable, and is a slap in the face for pharmacists who kept on delivering during the pandemic. In our Federal Budget Submission, PSA highlighted two key pharmacist services which require immediate financial support – case conferencing and vaccinations.

 

“As it stands, pharmacists are the only health provider that the Government does not remunerate for their time and participation in case conferencing. In addition to this, pharmacists are being remunerated at a significantly lower rate than other providers for providing exactly the same vaccination services, including vaccinations against COVID-19.

 

“Introducing an MBS service payment to pharmacists for administering National Immunisation Program vaccines, and a separate MBS rebate for pharmacists to be remunerated for multidisciplinary case conferences, would increase consumer access to pharmacist expertise and skills.

 

“We welcome the Government’s commitment to funding pharmacist roles in aged care, and this initiative will present new and exciting career opportunities for Australian pharmacists. However, if these pay disparities continue to exist, it will have dire consequences on Australian healthcare, jeopardising the future of the pharmacist workforce.

 

“Ahead of the Federal Election, we are calling on the incoming government to prioritise these concerns, improving conditions for pharmacists and ensuring that Australians can continue to access high-quality, accessible care,” he said.

 

A/Prof Freeman went on to acknowledge the Government’s commitment to reducing the cost of medicines, but again, much more work must be done.

 

“In a budget aimed at tackling the cost of living, PSA agrees with the Pharmacy Guild of Australia that reducing PBS Safety Net thresholds does not adequately address the rising cost of prescription medicines,” A/Prof Freeman said.

 

Concession card holders will need 12 fewer prescriptions to reach the safety net, and general patients approximately 2 fewer scripts.

 

PSA also welcomes the commitment of $19.6 million to a national take-home naloxone program, following a successful pilot where pharmacists enhanced access to this life-saving rescue medicine.

 

Over the coming months, PSA is committed to working with the current and incoming government to tackle these challenges that Australian pharmacists face.

 

Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463

Australians now reassured they will have access to essential medicines in their next emergency

Friday 25 March 2022

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) strongly supports today’s announcement that continued dispensing arrangements will become permanent later this year.

 

This morning, the Minister for Health and Ageing, the Hon Greg Hunt, announced that from 1 July 2021, continued dispensing arrangements, currently set to expire on 30 June, will become permanent across Australia.

 

PSA National President, A/Prof Chris Freeman, applauded the development.

 

“From the 1^st of July this year, a permanent measure will come into effect which ensures that Australians can continue to access essential medicines during times of an emergency. We applaud the Government making these common-sense arrangements permanent.

 

“Whether it be a pandemic, flood, bushfire, or a family tragedy, this provides Australians with confidence they can access their essential medicines when they may not be able to access their prescriptions or a doctor.

 

“Being able to access PBS subsidy for emergency supply of medicines is vital to ensuring patients are not hit with out-of-pocket costs during vulnerable times.

 

“These emergency measures have clearly been successful throughout the pandemic. Over an 18-month period, between January 2020 and the end of June 2021, more than 600,000 vital medicines were accessed under these provisions.

 

“After a tumultuous few years of natural disasters and five temporary extensions to the measures, this was the logical and sensible step to take – particularly given no major problems have been identified.

 

“PSA’s standards and guidelines have proved critical to helping the profession navigate the expanded provisions throughout the pandemic.

 

“Now it’s up to state and territory governments to enable this by ensuring that regulations and barriers currently precluding these arrangements are removed,” A/Prof Freeman said.

 

PSA will continue to work closely with all governments to progress and implement nationally consistent emergency supply provisions.

 

Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463

 

Support for pharmacists

• Guidelines for the Continued Dispensing of eligible prescribed medicines by pharmacists
• COVID-19 Regulatory Changes: Expanded Continued Dispensing

Tasmanian pharmacists now eligible to vaccinate children against COVID-19

Friday 25th March 2022

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia’s (PSA) Tasmanian Branch has welcomed the announcement that pharmacist immunisers in Tasmania are now eligible to protect the state’s children against COVID-19.

 

Today, Premier Gutwein confirmed changes to allow the provision of COVID-19 vaccinations for children aged 5-11 through local pharmacies.

 

PSA Tasmania Branch President, David Peachey, said immunity in Tasmania’s young people is the missing link at the moment and pharmacists can play a key role in protecting this important population.

 

“This is welcomed news for Tasmania’s pharmacist immunisers, who will now be able to opt-in to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to this paediatric cohort.

 

“We are delighted that the state will now be brought in line with the rest of the nation, improving access to vaccination for families residing in regional parts of the state.

 

“It is imperative that all Tasmanian children can access COVID-19 vaccinations from pharmacists, Australia’s most accessible healthcare workforce, in order to keep themselves, their families and the community safe.

 

“Vaccination is the best way to ensure that these susceptible populations and their families are protected against the virus, and soon, they’ll have the convenient option of protecting themselves through local pharmacies.

 

“Our pharmacists are trained and experienced in vaccinating younger age groups against other vaccine-preventable diseases and are now on standby to protect them against COVID-19.

 

“Authorised immunisers must have successfully completed the mandatory vaccine training provided by the Department of Health, including all the relevant vaccine-specific modules for vaccines available through the pharmacy program,” Mr Peachey said.

 

PSA continues to work closely with the TGA and ATAGI to ensure pharmacists are equipped with the most up-to-date advice regarding vaccine safety and effectiveness.

 

Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463

 

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

Closing the Gap on health inequality

Thursday 17^th 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

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

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

Pharmacists can help resolve troubling aged care findings

Monday 7^th March 2022

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is renewing its call for embedded pharmacists in residential aged care facilities, following worrying findings from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW).

 

The first quarterly report on the AIHW National Mandatory Quality Indicator Program for residential aged care services since its expansion to include medication management, specifically ‘polypharmacy’ and ‘antipsychotics’, shows some concerning findings.

 

The report revealed that over 40% of residents were prescribed nine or more medications and 50% of those who were prescribed an antipsychotic had no diagnosis of psychosis.

 

PSA National President, A/Prof Chris Freeman, was deeply troubled by these findings.

 

“It feels like Groundhog Day when it comes to medicine-related problems in aged care, as worrying data continues to emerge.

 

“The AIHW report has revealed that more than 40% of Australia’s aged care residents are taking nine or more medicines, an indicator that has a direct correlation to medication-related harm and 100% chance that each of those residents have a clinically significant drug interaction.

 

“With more than 19,000 Australians in residential aged care prescribed antipsychotics with no indication, the level of chemical restraint must be addressed.

 

“The evidence is clear, the more medicines someone is prescribed, the more likely it is to cause harm. Pharmacists therefore 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 issue of polypharmacy and chemical restraint in aged care facilities.

 

“This is not speculative, including pharmacists as part of the aged care workforce WILL improve medication management, reduce medication-related harm, and improve quality of life for aged care residents.

 

“The Government can’t continue to beat around the bush on this matter, especially when the lives of Australia’s most vulnerable are at stake. The solution to this crisis is right under their noses.

 

“PSA is once again calling on the Morrison Government to end the neglect by embedding pharmacists in Australia’s aged care facilities,” he said.

 

Debbie Rigby, Chair of PSA’s Interdisciplinary Team-based Care Community of Specialty Interest (ITBC-CSI), welcomed the expansion of the report to include medication management as a quality indicator, however, she criticised the indicator for grossly underestimating the problem.

 

“These findings are deeply concerning – but what is equally concerning – is how the data for reporting against the polypharmacy quality indicator is currently being derived.

 

“The current polypharmacy quality indicator underestimates the true extent of the problem as providers are instructed to report on the number of medicine “products”, not the actual number of drugs or active ingredients, a resident has been prescribed.

 

“If a person is taking a medicine containing multiple ingredients, each one adds to the risk. Not counting them is nonsensical and clearly underestimates the full extent of the problem.

 

“PSA has been calling on the Quality and Safety Commission to address this flawed measure. In the meantime, residents’ lives are being put at risk, and that risk is very much under-reported by this measure.

 

“The aged care sector has been decimated by the pandemic, and the Royal Commission showed us that there have been systemic problems in the sector for some time. The Government must act now by embedding pharmacists in aged care facilities if we are to save lives and raise the overall standard of care,” Ms Rigby said.

 

PSA strongly supports the program’s objectives for aged care providers to have robust, valid data to measure and monitor their performance and supports continuous quality improvement in the care they provide to aged care recipients. Having more accurate measures will go a long way to supporting this.

 

 

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

Emergency supplies of medicines available from pharmacies

Wednesday 2^nd March 2022

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is providing urgent advice to all people affected by flooding and natural disasters.

 

Under continued dispensing arrangements, most essential medicines that people are currently prescribed can be accessed from any local pharmacy across the country without a prescription during an emergency.

 

PSA National President, A/Prof Chris Freeman, reminded the public that they can still access medicines during this time of crisis.

 

“My thoughts and condolences go out to all Australians who have lost loved ones or been impacted by this tragic event, and I would like to remind you that you essential medicines can be accessed from any local pharmacy.

 

“There are some rules and limitations to these provisions, but pharmacists are familiar with these and can talk you through your options.

 

“These options weren’t available last time floods came through, and were only introduced in late 2019.

 

“One of the greatest public policy initiatives to come from the 2019/2020 bushfires and the pandemic, has been the ability for Australians to access lifesaving medicines from their pharmacist without a prescription under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme during an emergency.

 

“With the Continued Dispensing rules currently set to expire on 30 June 2022, these floods are a timely reminder we need to make them permanent.

 

A/Prof Freeman thanked pharmacists for their work supporting flood-affected Australians:

 

“Pharmacists have already been working with emergency services to support people isolated and in need and have been doing an incredible job of ensuring continuity of health care and medicine supply to these affected east coast regions. I thank you all for your efforts and implore you to stay safe,” he said.

 

PSA Queensland Branch President, Shane MacDonald, offered advice to Queensland patients.

 

“My thoughts go out to all Queenslanders and their families who have lost their lives, property, or been displaced by these floods.

 

“Queensland is no stranger to natural disasters and I’m really proud of the stories I’m hearing of pharmacists going above and beyond for their communities.

 

“It is important that people know, that during emergency situations, any local pharmacist can guide you on the best way to access your medicines. In many cases, this can be a matter of life and death.

 

“While the flood waters will recede in coming days, the effects of the floods will be with us for some time, and your pharmacist can help make sure you have the medicines you need.” Mr MacDonald said.

 

PSA NSW Branch President, Chelsea Felkai, urged NSW residents to stay safe.

 

“There are areas of Northern NSW that are tragically being affected by these floods and residents’ lives are being turned upside down.

 

“Pharmacists all across the state are coming together to support those most in need, and we thank you for this.

 

“We want all Australians to know, that in order to access essential medicines, they can go to any pharmacist during an emergency, and we are here to do whatever we can to help.

 

“The special authority arrangements allow patients to continue their vital medicines in the event that they cannot access a GP. Continuity of these medicines during this time is absolutely crucial.

 

“Whilst many areas are not through the worst of it, the health and wellbeing of all residents will be a priority as we recover from this. Please stay safe,” Ms Felkai said.

 

For emergency assistance in Queensland and NSW please contact the State Emergency Service on 132 500. In a life-threatening emergency please call 000 (triple zero).

 

 

Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463

PSA welcomes Moderna for children, but pay parity for vaccination services not on the Government’s radar.

Thursday 24^th February 2022

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the provisional approval of the Moderna vaccine for children aged six years and over, but remains deeply concerned by the ongoing pay disparity when it comes to pharmacist remuneration.

 

A second COVID-19 vaccine option is now available for Australian children following yesterday’s decision from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), but pharmacists’ remuneration for administering vaccines is still inadequate.

 

PSA National President, A/Prof Chris Freeman, welcomed Moderna’s inclusion, but said that the Government has run out of excuses to deny pharmacists equal pay for vaccination services.

 

“It is pleasing that Australian parents and their children are now able to choose from two highly-effective vaccines, adding another weapon to our arsenal for protecting the nation’s youth.

 

“Pharmacists have administered nearly 6 million vaccines to Australians, a sizeable contribution to the vaccination program – and I thank each and every pharmacist immuniser out there who has contributed to the program so far.

 

“Whilst increased vaccine choice and further expansion to eligibility are positive moves, it results in increased pressure on primary health, especially for Australia’s pharmacists.

 

“These changes signify progress in the fight against COVID-19, but under the surface, the inequality in pharmacists’ remuneration for administering these vaccines continues to jeopardise the program’s viability.

 

“Introducing a single MBS service payment to pharmacists for assessing suitability and administering vaccinations funded through the NIP will ensure that vaccines such as COVID-19 and influenza remain viable through community pharmacy.

 

“When it comes to vaccinations, you are receiving exactly the same service irrespective of location. However, huge discrepancies still remain between pharmacist remuneration and that of other health providers.

 

“Despite providing exactly the same service to an equally high standard, a discrepancy of $8.45 to that of other health providers still remains for pharmacists administering childhood doses. It is simply insulting.

 

“Toward the end of last year, we saw what can be achieved with better resourcing, as a $10 increase to vaccination payments for boosters precipitated record weeks of vaccinations – but now it is time for the Government to take the next step and remunerate pharmacists equally by providing a single MBS payment.

 

“This is critical to keeping the vaccine rollout program on track, particularly in relation to childhood vaccines, where they have reverted back very low payments for pharmacists. Subsequently, only half of the pharmacy network has opted to provide immunisations to this group.

 

“How much longer is it going to take them to recognise just how nonsensical this is?”

 

Background

The following table shows a breakdown of the pay rates for different providers:

Description	Pharmacists		General Practitioners
	*MM1 Fee	*MM2-7 Fee	*MM1 Fee	*MM2-7 Fee
First Dose Administration	$16	$19	$31.05	$37.70
Second Dose and Booster Dose Administration (by same provider)	$26	$29	$34.45	$37.80
Childhood 5-11 First Dose Administration	$16	$19	$24.45	$27.80
COVID-19 Vaccine Suitability Assessment (billable once only)	Nil	Nil	$39.10	$39.10

 

Pharmacists receive a flat $26 for administering a booster vaccine, whilst GPs may be able to claim additional dose administration ($34.45), and a suitability assessment ($39.10) for a total of $63.55. This is higher for GP’s in rural areas and after hours.

 

No after-hours payments are available for pharmacists despite many providing access outside of normal business hours.

 

If all three doses and a COVID-19 Vaccine Suitability Assessment are provided by the same practitioner, in a major city, a pharmacist would receive $68, whilst a GP would receive $139.05.

 

*MMM = Modified Monash Model defines whether a location is a city, rural, remote or very remote. It measures remoteness and

 

 

Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463