Editorial

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Welcome to the May 2012 homepage edition of i2P-Information to Pharmacists. Rollo Manning has been having some time out having staples removed from the site of his open heart surgery.He is now at home recuperating in Darwin, having arrived home last Friday, beating a cold and hasty retreat from Canberra.We all wish him a speedy recovery and hopefully, he will be fit enough to contribute by next month.
This month, Pharmedia discusses the toll that is taken when someone complains about you to an authority without good cause. Well, the good news is that you can now take action to protect yourself if such a complaint is made, and that may even include action for defamation. Read about a recent case involving two doctors, with Mark Coleman drawing on personal experience to illustrate.

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PSA Media Release for Nov./Dec. 2011

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	Peter Waterman articles by this author...
Keeping you up to date with PSA activities.

Information made available from the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia by Peter Waterman. 
Peter Waterman is the Public Affairs Manager for the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia. 
He may be contacted by telephone(02)62834782, or on mobile phone0487 922 176.

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29 November 2011

VICTORIAN PHARMACISTS HONOURED

Bendigo hospital pharmacist Bruce Gould was awarded the 2011 Victorian Pharmacist Medal at the annual dinner on Friday 25 November. 

The Medal is Victoria’s most prestigious pharmacy award and was presented in recognition of Mr Gould‘s service to the Victorian community as a community pharmacist for nearly 30 years, and more recently, as a hospital pharmacist. 

His passion for the pharmacy profession has driven him into taking a proactive role in the education and training of students, interns and pharmacists for more than 15 years. 

Accepting his award, Mr Gould said he believed pharmacy was a great profession which was not generally recognised for its pivotal role in healthcare.  He was excited by the enthusiasm and ability of the many young pharmacists, interns and students he meets and he hoped to continue to be involved in education for years to come.

The Annual Victorian Pharmacists Dinner was well attended by leaders of Victorian pharmacy organisations including the Pharmacy Guild, the Society of Hospital Pharmacists, the Victorian Pharmacy Authority, heads of Monash, La Trobe and RMIT pharmacy schools, and the Victorian Minister for Health the Hon Mr David Davis.  PSA National President Grant Kardachi and NSW Branch President Charlie Benrimoj also attended.

Other Victorian Pharmacists who were recognised on the night included life members Alan Hildebrand, Ayron Teed, Peter Shepard, Peter and Elizabeth Ross. 

Professors Colin Chapman and Kenn Raymond were recognised for their exceptional contribution to pharmacy education, together with community pharmacists Samson Chan, Leon Hain, John Nguyen, Marsha Watson, and retiring Branch Committee member Bronwyn Flanagan.

Victorian Branch President Mark Feldschuh said he was pleased to see that the young generation in the pharmacy profession was also recognised with the Victorian Early Career Pharmacists group awarded a certificate of appreciation for its proactive work in the training and career mentoring of young pharmacists and students.

Pharmacy Intern of the Year Elisha Ted, interns Aida Alihodzic and Lucy Mc Dougall, and pharmacy student of the year Sarah Carminati were all recognised for their outstanding efforts. 

The annual Victorian Pharmacists Dinner is supported by PDL, Willach, Monash University, Rose Partners, MIMS, Westpac Bank, Medibank, Tungsten Wine, Minuteman Press and Zodiac Catering.

 

27 November 2011

QLD PSA BRANCH AWARD RECIPIENTS

The Queensland Branch of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia’s recent annual dinner was the occasion for the presentation of a number of prestigious awards including Intern of the Year and Graduate of the Year.

The Gold Medal was awarded to Peter Mayne for his outstanding contribution and exceptional service to the Pharmacy profession and to PSA.

The award is normally made to a member who has demonstrated at least 20 years continuous service to PSA that includes service at the state and/or national levels.

Some of Peter’s work includes time on the PreReg Training Committee, being a Member of the Queensland Branch Council then Committee, holding the position of Treasurer for seven years and receiving the Bowl of Hygeia award in 2005.

He also was Chair of Organising Committee for PAC 2006 in Cairns, author  of the Guide to Regulated Restricted Drugs in Qld since 2002 and organised and ran the Queensland Pharmacy Student of the Year  final for many years.

The Gold Medal is the most prestigious PSA Queensland Branch award and only five previous Gold Medals have been awarded.

 It is the “overall good guy” award and this year’s recipient was named at the event as Madeline Orange from the Queensland University of Technology.

The Intern of the Year for 2011 is Andrew Heathcock  from the Redbank Plains Day and Night Pharmacy. Andrew was selected for his overall work and for his wide-ranging community projects which he manages to fit in on top of his remarkable pharmacy service delivery.

The award of Life Fellow, which marks 50 years or more continuous membership of the society, was presented to Stella O’Donnell AO.

23 November 2011

PSA ACT BRANCH PRESIDENT ELECTED TO MEDICARE LOCAL

ACT Branch President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, Professor Gabrielle Cooper, has been elected to the first ACT Medicare Local Board.

Professor Cooper, who is Professor of Pharmacy, Associate Dean Clinical Engagement at the University of Canberra, was elected to one of the two primary health-care clinician positions on the Board.

A network of national-wide Medicare Locals is a key component of the Australian Government’s National Health Reforms and they are designed to coordinate primary health-care delivery and tackle local health care needs and service gaps.

They will drive improvements in primary health care and ensure services are better tailored to meet the needs of local communities.

Professor Cooper said she was honoured at being appointed to the Board and looked forward to adding the expertise and knowledge of pharmacists to that of the other health professionals on the Board.

“All too often in the past the expertise that pharmacists have in the provision of primary health care has been overlooked but the  Medicare Local system means that contribution can now be integrated more consistently in team-based care,” Professor Cooper said.

“Pharmacists are one of the most accessible of all heath-care professionals in Australia which means they have some unique face-to-face interactions with patients and consumers.

 “Consumers and patients walk in and speak to pharmacists about health issues, often before they speak to other health professionals. 

“Pharmacists regularly triage and refer to other health professionals to ensure patients’ needs are effectively addressed.

“I am delighted to be able to add this knowledge and experience to the workings of the ACT Medicare Local to improve the health outcomes of everyone in the ACT Medicare Local region.”

 

22 November  2011

PHARMACISTS READY TO WORK CLOSELY WITH ANY SENATE INQUIRY

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia will work cooperatively with all stakeholders in any Senate inquiry into the Community Pharmacy Agreements process to ensure the best possible outcomes for the community, the pharmacy profession and Australia’s health system.

National President of the PSA, Grant Kardachi, was commenting after the call today by the Greens Parliamentary Spokesman on Health, Dr Richard Di Natale, for a Senate inquiry into the structure of the Community Pharmacy Agreements and how they are negotiated.

Mr Kardachi said PSA’s focus throughout any inquiry would be on improving the health outcomes of consumers through the professional focus and activities of pharmacists and on the sustainability of the pharmacy profession.

“Pharmacists need to be able to provide the best possible advice and services based on their extensive knowledge  and experience, and to use these skills in the best health interests of the patient,” Mr Kardachi said.

“It is clearly in the interests of the community that programs and services provided under the Community Pharmacy Agreements are developed by leaders from across the profession who should work transparently with the Government, consumers and other health professionals.”

Mr Kardachi said pharmacy was a foundation of Australia’s health-care system and it was important to maintain the fabric of the community pharmacy system and the services it provided.

“Pharmacists are the most accessible of all health professionals and enjoy a very high trust rating from consumers across the country,” Mr Kardachi said. 

“If a Senate inquiry takes place we would like it to reinforce to consumers that their pharmacist is there to provide service and advice, and that when they enter their pharmacy they are entering a health-care destination.

“We will work to help ensure that the Community Pharmacy Agreement process is not only strengthened but that it delivers a broader range of targeted professional services to the consumer. The Agreement is a pillar of Australia’s health system so it is vital that we make it work to its full potential.”

18 November 2011

PHARMACISTS THERE TO HELP HAY FEVER SUFFERERS

The role pharmacists can play in helping to manage hay fever has been highlighted by new figures from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) showing that about 3.1 million Australians, or 15% of the population, suffer from the condition.

According to AIHW, this makes it one of the most common chronic respiratory conditions in Australia.

National President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, Grant Kardachi, said despite the alarming figures, the good news was that hay fever can usually be very well managed with medicines, that can be purchased over-the-counter in pharmacies.

“Hay fever most commonly affects people aged 25–44 and is slightly more common in women than men,” Mr Kardachi said.  “Severity can range from mild to severe and can greatly interfere with the sufferer’s sleep, affect their daily routines and have a very negative impact on their quality of life.

“Identifying the triggers for hay fever is often a key to better managing it, and while pharmacists can help patients in this regard, they can also advise on the best medicines to treat their condition. This can include preventive measures such as advising patients to take their medicines the night before forecast high-risk days.”

 Advice from pharmacists could extend beyond supplying antihistamines, most of which are non-sedating and therefore allow people to work normally, drive and go about their daily routines as usual.

“Pharmacists will advise on suitable antihistamines, which are the mainstay of treatment, as well as other treatment options such as nasal sprays and eye drops for more severe cases,” Mr Kardachi said. 

Mr Kardachi said that apart from helping consumers select the most appropriate medicines, PSA Self Care pharmacies could provide more detailed information on how best to manage the condition through the Self Care Hay Fever Fact Card. 

“This very informative Fact Card gives consumers tips and hints as well as explaining hay fever so sufferers can fully understand it and take appropriate steps to manage it,” Mr Kardachi said.  “Hay fever sufferers should speak to their pharmacist who will provide advice and refer them to their doctor when necessary.”

 

11 November 2011

LAUNCH OF UNIQUE PHARMACY EVENT

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia’s NSW Branch officially launched its Clinical and Practice Expo (CPExpo) today at a small function before key stakeholders and industry.

The CPExpo is an exciting new professional development and practice support event incorporating practical innovations and a patient focus  to be held at the Hordern Pavilion, Sydney 25 – 27 May 2012. 

PSA NSW Branch Director Steven Drew said CPExpo was unique as it was designed to bring together pharmacists, patient support groups, patients, allied health professionals and the pharmaceutical industry with the aim of improving Australia’s health through excellence in the practice of pharmacy.

“The PSA is the leading pharmacy professional organisation, renowned for its high-quality clinical, practice-based education practice improvement programs that nurture and grow the pharmacy profession’s capacity and effectiveness,” Mr Drew said.

“CPExpo is destined to become another PSA must-attend event for the pharmacy profession.  This new-look event focuses on the quality use of medicines and therapeutic updates as well as clinical and professional services.” 

Mr Drew said the winning formula of innovation, education and networking along with the exciting initiative of promoting and supporting patient and patient support group collaboration promises to be a big drawcard.

“By pursuing an innovative collaboration between industry, patient support groups and health professionals, CPExpo provides a unique promotional opportunity to present the clinical and practical aspects of your products and services,” Mr Drew said.

“Replacing the outdated ‘trade” show model, this new format provides pharmaceutical companies with myriad options to interact with a key stakeholders, integral to the provision of medicines information and medication management.

Mr Drew said busy but nonetheless committed pharmacists wanting to maximising learning outcomes relevant to their practice would relish the chance to keep up to date with their clinical knowledge, new product information and health initiatives in a single event.

 

8 November 2011 

APPLICATIONS SOUGHT FOR PHARMACY RESEARCH TRUST GRANTS

The Pharmacy Research Trust of NSW is now seeking applications for its 2012 grants program.

The trust promotes, fosters, develops and assists the pursuit of research and post-graduate education and study in all branches of pharmacy provided the work is related to research into the causes, prevention or cure of disease in human beings, animals or plants. 

A.The trust is seeking applications for grants for:Research project grants from established investigators which may include requests for research maintenance/personnel or scholarships for postgraduate students

B.Seed funding from less established researchers, usually of fewer than three years’ standing, or for support of established investigators in exceptional circumstances (as determined by the Research Committee).  Such projects should be capable of leading to sufficient results to enable subsequent applications for funding to larger granting bodies.

Under the terms of grants, all research projects and seed funding, other than scholarships for postgraduate students, will have a maximum duration of two years. All postgraduate scholarships will have a duration of three years (PhD) or two years (Masters), with a possible extension of six months in the case of PhD scholarships.

When examining applications, the Research Committee will consider:

* The overall quality of the project.
* The quality of the applicant and the successful track record of applicant (as judged by the applicant's experience and research record).
* The case that the research is worthwhile and the likelihood of success within the stated timeframe. * The likelihood that new knowledge will emerge from the research.
* That the level of funding requested is sufficient to achieve the stated outcomes, and whether additional funds have been sought or approved from other funding bodies.
* That the investigator has the capacity to take the project to a successful conclusion.
* Established researchers will be required to justify their need to seek funding from the Pharmacy Research Trust of NSW in preference to any other external funding source.

Applications close on 9 December 2011 and details are available on the PSA website at psa.org.au

7 November  2011

PHARMACISTS ENCOURAGED TO REPORT PREVENTABLE INCIDENTS

The critical role pharmacists play in ensuring the quality use of medicines is being highlighted over the next seven days in the inaugural National Medication Safety Week.

During the week from 7-13 November, pharmacists are urged to take part in an incident reporting project that will help provide insights into medication safety incidents and how they can be prevented.

Pharmacists can take part by identifying and anonymously reporting preventable medication safety incidents they encounter throughout the week.

National President of the PSA, Grant Kardachi, said that by participating in the project, community pharmacists would be helping to highlight patient safety issues in the primary health care environment in Australia. 

“Pharmacists are the front line in ensuring the quality use of medicines which is a foundation of Australia’s health system,” Mr Kardachi said. 

“By taking part in this project, which is an initiative of the Faculty of Pharmacy of University of Sydney, pharmacists can help to expand the knowledge of the human and systemic factors that can contribute to medication safety incidents in Australia.

“As the most accessible health-care professionals, pharmacists are in a unique position to contribute to improving primary health care through their care and support of patients. It is estimated that in Australia 190,000 medicine-related hospital admissions occur each year, at a cost to the public health system of some $660 million a year. 

“However, it has also been estimated that up to 73% of adverse drug events are preventable and projects like National Medication Safety Week are fundamental to helping reduce the incidence of these preventable adverse drug events.”

Mr Kardachi encouraged pharmacists to take part in the project and report incidents which for the purposes of the project are defined as:  “Any preventable event the reporting pharmacist feels should not have occurred where a medicine is, was, could have or should have been involved.”

For more information and to report an incident visit the National Medication Safety Week web site at: http://australianpharmsafety.org

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