PSA welcomes Canberra Script launch

Thursday 24^th February 2022

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia’s (PSA) ACT Branch welcomes today’s launch of the Territory’s new Real Time Prescription Monitoring (RTPM) system, Canberra Script.

 

To replace DAPIS Online Remote Access (DORA), the ACT’s previous RTPM system, Canberra Script includes several enhancements, such as, a simplified registration process and prompts and notifications that support practitioners in the safe prescribing and dispensing of high-risk medicines.

 

Canberra Script forms part of the new RTPM system being implemented across Australia.

 

PSA ACT Branch President, Olivia Collenette, said that Canberra Script will better protect the ACT community by supporting the safe and effective use of monitored medicines.

 

“Today, the ACT has launched its new RTPM system which is designed to minimise harm associated with monitored medicines, and PSA is pleased to see that the ACT Government has got this over the line.

 

“The Territory joins the majority of other Australian jurisdictions in forming the National Real Time Prescription Monitoring system, which continues to be progressively rolled out.

 

“It is quite unnerving to know, that over the past decade in Australia, drug-induced deaths were more likely to be a result of prescription medicines rather than illicit substances, and this is precisely why innovative harm minimisation systems like Canberra Script are needed.

 

“This patient-centric technology enables both prescribers and pharmacists to have informed discussions with their patients in a non-confronting way, providing them with greater oversight of what other monitored medicines the individual may be taking.

 

“Canberra Script will help shape conversations around the safe and effective use of these medicines, making it easier for clinicians to identify potentially harmful interactions and inappropriate dosages, helping them to make more informed, safer decisions.

 

“It is important to recognise that this system is not intended to disadvantage those patients where there is a clinical need for a particular medicine, it simply provides an additional safety net for prescribers, dispensers and most importantly, their patients.

 

“I strongly encourage all eligible health practitioners to register and utilise Canberra Script as a clinical support tool for managing Canberra patients on monitored medicines,” Ms Collenette said.

 

ACT Health has commissioned PSA to help develop the training for both prescribers and pharmacists in using the system, which will be available shortly after its launch. PSA is here to support Canberra pharmacists in any way possible.

 

 

Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463

Better access to PPE needed for ALL primary care workers

Friday 18^th February 2022

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia’s (PSA) WA Branch is calling for better support for the WA Primary Health Alliance (WAPHA) to be able to provide all primary health workers, especially pharmacists, with access to adequate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

 

Following Premier McGowan’s announcement earlier this week that a hard border reopening date will be announced in the next fortnight, more must be done to protect the state’s frontline health workers.

 

PSA WA Branch President, Keegan Wong, said that there is only a small window of opportunity left to adequately protect those on the frontline before case numbers explode.

 

“The end to the state’s border restrictions is now in sight, and for many, this is welcomed news – but for primary heallthcare, increased interstate socialisation poses significant risk to clinicians and their patients.

 

“We know there’s sufficient supply of PPE in the country and this should be made available so that ALL primary care clinicians can safely support their patients and the broader community. WAPHA are doing everything in their power to ensure that distribution delays are expedited and have been managing this brilliantly in the face of uncertainty.

 

“We are calling on the Federal and State Government to support our PHN to keep vital primary care services, including all pharmacies, open as the Omicron wave hits. Currently, only pharmacies providing COVID-19 vaccinations are included, and access to this PPE stops at the end of March, right when cases are expected to rapidly rise. This needs to be extended to all pharmacies, otherwise all pharmacy staff and vulnerable patients will be unnecessarily put at risk.

 

“Omicron has proven that future waves of different variants are inevitable and we need be ready for whenever that may be. We cannot risk furloughing of staff and primary health closures as a result of inferior protective equipment.

 

“We know that our frontline workers will need to use this protective equipment for the foreseeable future, and it is not acceptable that our health workers are not provided with adequate PPE.

 

“We cannot have a situation like on the East Coast, where there wasn’t adequate access to PPE when it was desperately needed it – and fortunately for the McGowan and Federal Governments, there is still time to provide frontline workers with equipment like N95 masks and adequate eye protection.

 

“Surgical masks simply don’t cut it, especially with variants like Omicron, which are primarily aerosol spread – so it’s time we started treating frontline health workers like professionals by giving them the premium standard of protection,” Mr Wong said.

 

 

Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463

PSA celebrates 25 years of accreditation!

Monday 7^th February 2022

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is celebrating 25 years of pharmacist accreditation in conducting comprehensive medication reviews.

 

In February 1997, Federal Government funding of Residential Medication Management Reviews (RMMRs) and early medication reviews for war veterans began. Four years later, in October 2001, Home Medicine Reviews (HMRs) commenced, together with a Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) Item for general practitioners, which led to the creation of a revolutionary collaborative model.

 

PSA continues to support pharmacist accreditation as a vital process for ensuring funded medicine management services are conducted to a high standard. Removing barriers which currently prevent more pharmacists becoming accredited and supporting the growing number of older, at-risk Australians through these services remains a key area of focus for PSA.

 

PSA National President, A/Prof Chris Freeman, reflected on the evolution of accreditation.

 

“A quarter of a century ago, the first Australian pharmacists were accredited by the Australian Association of Consultant Pharmacy (AACP) to conduct medication reviews.

 

“Today, accredited pharmacist practice has paved the way for the establishment of innovative models of care in Australia, such as, embedded pharmacists in aged care and general practice.

 

“On behalf of the profession, I thank all accredited pharmacists for the critical support they continue to provide to their patients, aged care facilities and other health professional colleagues. You continue to create a solid platform for future pharmacist services.

 

“As of January this year, Australia has over 2,000 accredited pharmacists across the nation. However, given the high demand for this service and the clear gap between those who need a medication review and those which have received one, we need more pharmacists to become accredited. This is critical service that directly supports the Quality and Safe Use of Medicines National Health Priority Area.

 

“We have good evidence from studies which demonstrates the impact of medication management reviews, whether that be keeping people out of hospital, reducing medication-related problems, improving adherence, or the patient’s quality of life,” he said.

 

Debbie Rigby, Chair of the Interdisciplinary Team-based Care Community of Specialty Interest (ITBC-CSI), was among the first pharmacists accredited to conduct medication reviews:

 

“25 years of accreditation needs to be recognised and celebrated. Medication reviews have been the success story of professional programs funded through Community Pharmacy Agreements. They have been shown to be beneficial and sustainable.

 

“I feel proud to have been on the journey of accreditation and implementation of medication reviews in Australia. There is a strong professional spirit among accredited pharmacists, who strive to work in interdisciplinary environments and help patients achieve the best out of their medicines.

 

“I’d encourage pharmacists to seek accreditation, as the health system demands a wider role for pharmacists in aged care, disability care, general practice and transitions of care. We need to build capacity to provide high-quality medication management in these areas of need.

 

“Accreditation provides assurance to funders, consumers and medical practitioners that pharmacists are competent to deliver collaborative medication management and reaccreditation reinforces the ethos of life-long learning,” Ms Rigby said.

 

 

Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463

2022-23 Federal Budget Submission

Friday 4^th February 2022

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has called on the Federal Government to implement four key measures in its 2022-23 Budget Submission, enabling pharmacists to further improve health outcomes for Australians, particularly in residential aged care facilities and in regional Australia; and addressing unfair disparities that exist in pharmacist remuneration.

 

PSA National President, A/Prof Chris Freeman, said that embedded pharmacists in Australia’s aged care workforce is well overdue.

 

“Ahead of next month’s Federal Budget, PSA has outlined to the Federal Government four key asks aimed at improving access to medicines and health care for Australians, particularly for residents in aged care facilities.

 

“As medication experts and the custodians of medicine safety, pharmacists must play an even greater role in the nation’s healthcare system by supporting aged care providers.

 

“PSA has been calling on the Government to provide funding for embedded pharmacists in residential aged care facilities for quite some time, to improve medication management, reduce medication-related harm, and to improve quality of life for their vulnerable residents.

 

“This will ensure that aged care facilities can consistently deliver a patient-centred, multidisciplinary service aimed at identifying, resolving and preventing medication-related problems such as polypharmacy and chemical restraint.

 

“It is crucial that 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.

 

“Every day that a pharmacist is not working alongside aged care staff in caring for older Australians, is a day residents are in danger from medication harm.

 

“Other recommendations include measures to address the unfair and inequitable pay disparity between pharmacists and other healthcare providers, and establishing a GP-Pharmacist Collaborative Prescribing Pilot in regional Australia to help address GP workforce shortages.

 

“Australian pharmacists have faced immense pressure over the past 24 months, and continue to be significantly underpaid for their services. Two key examples of this are case conferences – for which pharmacists are the only allied health provider that the government does not remunerate for their time and participation – and vaccinations administration (including COVID-19), where pharmacists are being remunerated at a much lower rate than other providers,” he said.

 

PSA thanks the Government for the opportunity to provide a submission for the 2022-23 Commonwealth Budget consultation process.

 

To view PSA’s 2022-23 Federal Budget Submission, please visit: http://www-dev/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/PSA-Federal-Budget-Submission-2022-2023.pdf

 

Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463

NAPSA Wildcard winner announced!

Friday 28^th January 2022

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) congratulates Renee Buckland on winning the National Australian Pharmacy Students’ Association (NAPSA) Wildcard Pharmacy Student of the Year (PSOTY) during last night’s PSOTY Wildcard Final at NAPSA Congress.

 

Ms Buckland, a 4^th year Pharmacy Honours student from James Cook University, will go on to compete at the PSOTY National Final at PSA’s annual flagship conference, PSA22, held in July.

 

Sponsored by Viatris, the PSOTY award recognises and celebrates Australia’s outstanding pharmacy students. The award showcases the knowledge, skills and abilities of select students to the broader pharmacy profession, whilst giving them the opportunity to apply, and be judged on, their counselling skills.

 

PSA also acknowledges all Wildcard finalists representing pharmacy students from universities across the country:

• Daniel Odeshou (University of Sydney)
• My Phuong Ly (Phuong) (Queensland University of Technology)
• Christy El-Khoury (University of Sydney)
• Allysa Mariane Alea (Allysa) (University of Western Australia)
• Mahek Shah (Monash University)
• Jade Craig (Curtin University)

 

The event was judged by PSA Queensland Branch President, Shane MacDonald, NAPSA President, Verity Boustead, and PSA Early Career Pharmacist Community of Specialty Interest representative, Kate Wang.

 

PSA National President, A/Prof Chris Freeman, congratulated Renee and all of the Wildcard’s finalists.

 

“I congratulate Renee on her success and wish her all the best at the National Finals later this year,” he said.

 

“In what was another difficult decision for the judges, all of the finalists demonstrated exceptional counselling skills – and for this they should be proud.

 

“I congratulate all of them for making it to this stage of the competition. They all brought their own unique styles and skillsets to the event, making it a difficult one to adjudicate – and it is evident that the future of pharmacy is a bright one.”

 

Ms Buckland will join the state winners at the National Final at PSA22. At the finals, students will be tested with a real-life clinical situation, where a patient will present with signs and symptoms or a specific product request. Students are then required to use their clinical knowledge and emotional intelligence to identify the most appropriate course of treatment and tailor their counselling skills to provide the most appropriate advice. Here they will also be assessed by a judging panel.

 

PSA extends thanks to the PSOTY award sponsor, Viatris, for their ongoing support and is looking forward to partnering with them once again at this year’s National Finals.

 

 

Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463

Pharmacists recognised in 2022 Australia Day Honours

Wednesday 26^th January 2022

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) congratulates four extraordinary pharmacists on their Australia Day Honours.

 

This year, the following pharmacists were recognised for their outstanding service to the pharmacy profession and contribution to the nation.

 

2022 Honours list below:

• Mr Niels Bowen MPS – Medal of Order of Australia (OAM)
• Mrs Valerie Constable – Medal of Order of Australia (OAM)
• Mr John Robertson Coppock – Medal of Order of Australia (OAM)
• Mr William Jack Horsfall FPS – Medal of Order of Australia (OAM)

 

PSA National President, A/Prof Chris Freeman, acknowledged the tireless work of these individuals in striving to improve the health of our nation.

 

“I congratulate this year’s Australia Day Honours recipients for their substantial contribution to the profession, supporting the health and wellbeing of Australians.

 

“It is pleasing to see that these respected professionals have been recognised for their ongoing work and many years of dedication to improving pharmacy and our nation as a whole.

 

“Australian society and the health sector has clearly benefited from their efforts, and today’s Honours are testament to that,” he said.

 

Valerie (Val) Constable, a PSA 2021 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, received her OAM for significant service to Australian pharmacy.

 

“Val has been a trailblazer in her own right, forging the path for women in the profession to follow. She has been a mentor to many pharmacists and has made substantial gains for pharmacist involvement in respiratory care,” A/Prof Freeman said.

 

“For more than three decades, Val has helped pave the way to optimise standards of pharmacy education and practice, becoming a trusted mentor to many.”

 

William (Bill) Horsfall, a PSA 2021 Victorian Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, received his OAM for service to Australian pharmacy.

 

“Bill is one of the most well-known pharmacists in Victoria and has had an illustrious career across many areas of pharmacy practice including hospital, community and academic practice,” he said.

 

“Bill is a role model for all. He has raised practice standards by example over a lifetime of dedicated practice, most notably as PSA (Vic) Director of Continue Education, a position he held for 23 years, where he lead the developed the most comprehensive CE program in Australia.”

 

John Robertson Coppock, a PSA 2015 PSA Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, received his OAM for service to pharmacy in Australia.

 

“John has made a huge contribution to ensuring the pharmacy profession health and wellbeing remained front and centre,” A/Prof Freeman said.

 

“Amongst other high profile roles, he has been President of the Pharmacists’ Support Service (PSS) since 2010 where he has led a committed team making sure we look after one another.”

 

Niels Bowen, was also honoured for his contributions to the profession.

 

“Niels has demonstrated sustained dedication to the pharmacy profession and has had a tremendous impact on modern practice, notably as a founder of the Chemist Outlet Group,” he said.

 

“At the University of Sydney, Niels has a ceremony named in his honour. Now he will add the OAM to his list of achievements.”

 

PSA also recognises today a previous Order of Australia Medal recipient, Mary Polack, who passed away at the age of 80 last month. Mary was the first Tasmanian PSA Life Member and was awarded her OAM in 2007 for her service to the pharmacy profession.

 

 

Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463

A momentous day for access to flu vaccines in South Australia

Friday 21^st January 2022

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia’s (PSA) SA Branch welcomes the Marshall Government’s commitment to improving access to vaccines funded under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) through local pharmacies.

 

Yesterday, recommendations for the 2022 influenza season from the Community Pharmacy NIP Access Advisory Group were approved by the South Australian Government.

 

In addition to the privately-funded influenza vaccinations pharmacists currently provide to South Australians over the age of 10, they will now able to provide government-funded vaccinations to:

 

• People aged 65 years and older
• Pregnant women
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander persons aged 10 years and older

 

PSA SA Branch President, Robyn Johns, welcomed the move and praised the South Australian Government’s leadership on this critical issue.

 

“Today’s commitment from the Marshall Government to increase access NIP-funded influenza vaccines through the state’s pharmacies is a day of significant progress for South Australia’s health system.

 

“The South Australian Government established the Community Pharmacy NIP Access Advisory Group in June last year, and already, they’ve covered significant ground in ensuring that vulnerable population groups are best protected against the flu.

 

“This move means that South Australians will have a much easier time getting their flu vaccine as they can book in at their local pharmacy – like so many have done for their COVID-19 vaccines.

 

“Previously, pharmacists have been unable provide their patients, who fall within the cohorts, with NIP-funded flu vaccines meaning vulnerable patients were out-of-pocket or missed out on influenza vaccination altogether.

 

“Pharmacists are a critical part of the vaccination workforce, as evidenced through the roll out of the COVID-19 vaccination program, where they have now administered over four million vaccines to Australians.

 

“As we prepare for this year’s flu season, allowing community pharmacist immunisers to provide NIP-funded influenza vaccines will increase vaccination rates and herd immunity to influenza within the state, preventing death and hospitalisations for those most vulnerable,” she said.

 

 

Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463

Pharmacists at breaking point with ongoing RAT shortages

Thursday 20^th January 2022

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is calling for patience and understanding from the general public amidst ongoing rapid antigen tests (RAT) shortages.

 

Extreme stock shortages and unprecedented demand continues to place significant strain on pharmacists and pharmacy staff.

 

PSA National President, A/Prof Chris Freeman, stressed how challenging these past few weeks have been for the pharmacy workforce as a result of RAT shortages, combined with the commencement of childhood vaccinations and the booster rollout.

 

“The holiday period is already a busy time for Australian pharmacists, and the current situation with accessibility to antigen testing is only making conditions worse.

 

“With the National Booster Program in full swing and the commencement of paediatric vaccinations last week, pharmacists have now administered over four million COVID-19 vaccinations to Australians – an amazing accomplishment!

 

“However, this ongoing predicament with RAT continues to place huge pressure on the profession.

 

“Even though the Federal Government has secured additional RAT stock, supply is still expected to be sparse until mid-February. In the meantime, our pharmacists are working around the clock to source their own supply of these tests, whilst juggling a huge number inquiries from patients about stock availability.

 

“Pharmacists are being inundated with phone calls and inquiries, which is ultimately consuming a large proportion of their time – time which would be better spent vaccinating people against the virus, and even more importantly, allowing them to focus on their core function, medicine safety. Members have reported receiving on average, four calls a minute in relation to RATs. This is simply not sustainable.

 

“Governments keep telling people to get tested – and people are trying to do the right thing – but there is still a lot of confusion in the community.

 

“PSA and other health bodies were stressing the importance of securing RAT supply and establishing effective distribution networks with government over six months ago.

 

“Antigen tests are also available and being distributed through government testing clinics, free of charge – and I implore Australians to consider these services in order to alleviate pressure on our already-stretched pharmacist workforce, until stock shortages are solved,” he said.

 

Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463

Vaccine pay parity well overdue

Wednesday 19^th January 2022

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is renewing its call for pharmacists to receive equal pay for COVID-19 vaccination services, to that received by other providers.

 

Despite the recent increase in payments for booster vaccination services, an unfair and inequitable pay disparity between immunisation providers still remains.

 

PSA National President, A/Prof Chris Freeman, said that there are no more excuses to deny pay parity following record weeks of vaccination.

 

“Pharmacists have now administered over four million COVID-19 vaccinations to Australians, in another milestone achievement following record weeks of vaccinations.

 

“In the last three weeks alone, pharmacists have administered a record 1 million plus vaccinations. This is an incredible effort from all of Australia’s pharmacist immunisers, especially during a period when much of the nation was on holidays.

 

“These record statistics come on the back of a moderate increase in payments for booster vaccinations, demonstrating what can be achieved with more appropriate resourcing.

 

“It is disappointing that significant pay disparities remain, with pharmacists’ still being paid much less than other vaccination providers, like GPs, for doing the same job. Increasing remuneration by $8.45 per booster vaccine, taking the payment to $34.45 from $26, would achieve pay parity for pharmacists.

 

“Now that we’ve seen what can be achieved with better resourcing, it is time to remunerate pharmacists fairly and equally for their work.

 

“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.

 

“Without fair and equitable remuneration for the administration of all COVID-19 vaccines, the Government risks having the paediatric vaccination program fall behind,” he said.

 

Graphs below:

(Source: Australian Department of Health https://www.health.gov.au/resources/collections/covid-19-vaccination-daily-rollout-update)

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 population size on a scale of Modified Monash (MM) category MM 1 to MM 7. MM 1 is a major city and MM 7 is very remote.*

 

 

Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463

Additional remuneration for boosters welcomed – but unfair pay disparity remains.

Wednesday 22^nd December 2021

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the Federal Government’s announcement this afternoon that payments for booster vaccinations will be increased.

 

From tomorrow, 23^rd December, pharmacists will receive an additional $10 for administering booster vaccinations, taking the total fee for the full service to $26.

 

PSA National President, A/Prof Chris Freeman, lauded the announcement.

 

“This is a very welcome announcement for pharmacists who are working incredibly hard in the lead up to Christmas, ensuring their communities have timely access to booster vaccinations in addition to their usual holiday workloads.

 

“PSA has been fighting over recent months to secure additional funding for the booster program, to ensure these services do not run at a loss, and we thank the Morrison Government for finally taking action on this prior to Christmas and the New Year.

 

“Frustration amongst the pharmacist community has reached boiling point over recent weeks, with many pharmacies considering whether it is viable for them to continue to participate in the National Booster Program – potentially jeopardising the program’s delivery.

 

“Whilst we expect the increase to incentivise involvement in the National Booster Program, it is not enough. The unfair disparity in rates of remuneration for community pharmacies versus other vaccination providers still remains. PSA will continue to fight for fair and equitable remuneration in all settings in which pharmacists practice.

 

“Pharmacists have more than doubled the number of daily vaccine doses being administered since booster eligibility was shortened, with 284,559 doses administered in just the past 7 days. This is an astonishing effort.

 

A/Prof Freeman went on to discuss the management of the booster program over the next few months.

 

“It has been an incredibly challenging period for pharmacists, who are experiencing a surge in demand for COVID-19 vaccinations. This has been driven by the decision to bring forward booster doses for millions of Australians. Whilst Australia has plentiful stores of COVID-19 vaccines, there is often a delay between ordering the vaccines until they arrive into pharmacy fridges.

 

“Similarly, we have seen a surge in demand for items such as rapid antigen tests, as many consumers are wanting to take precautions before attending work or catching up with family and friends over the holidays.

 

“As the 2021 working year comes to an end for most, it is the busiest time of year for Australian pharmacists. Over this period, many pharmacies will remain open, ensuring that communities can continue to access essential medicines and health services.

 

“I echo the Prime Minister’s advice this afternoon, that we must remain calm. I ask that patients be mindful of, and respectful towards your pharmacist, as they work to provide you with care, essential medicines and health services you need.

 

“I also ask Australians to continue abiding by the current health advice, ensuring that you do not enter pharmacies if you have potential symptoms of COVID-19, wear protective masks inside and practice social distancing,” he said.

 

 

Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463