Editorial
Welcome to the March edition of i2P – Information to Pharmacists.
You may have noiticed if you receive i2P by email, that we have simplified our mail out presentation.
This was because the code in our earlier version appeared to be too unstable to maintain, hence the simpler presentation.
Columns
Rollo Manning: Pharma-Goss
John Dunlop: Inside NZ
Loretta Marron BSc: Health Watch
Barry Urquhart: Marketing Focus
Harvey Mackay: Strategic Thinking
Mark Neuenschwander: I`ve been thinking about...Recent Comments
Past Editions
Volume 1 Number 1
Volume 1 Number 2
Volume 1 Number 3
Volume 1 Number 4
Volume 1 Number 5
Volume 1 Number 6
Volume 1 Number 7
Volume 2 Number 1
Volume 2 Number 2
Pharma News
Staff Writer: SIGMA Pharmaceuticals suspends share trading before release of revised earnings outlookHospital News
Health Politics
Pat Gallagher: Health Informatics - The State of the Nation
Peter Sayers: The Three-Ring Circus
Dr David More: e-Health IdentifiersEPublications
PSA Media Releases for February 2010
Printer-friendly version
Send to friend
PDF version | Peter Waterman |
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 phone 0419 260 827
March 1st 2009
Pharmacists’ Support Service – Announcement
A new structure and independence for the Pharmacists’ Support Service (PSS)
The Pharmacists’ Support Service has taken the first step to becoming a fully independent service which is funded to service pharmacists throughout Australia by becoming an Incorporated Association. Members met in February and voted to accept Articles of Association and a new independent Committee of Management representing a wide range of national pharmacy organisations.
The steps have been taken with the approval of the Pharmaceutical Society of Victoria who would like to see the PSS model developed so that the service can be provided to pharmacists around Australia. Mark Feldschuh, the President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Victoria (PSV) and PSA Victorian Branch said “This service has been providing support to Victoria pharmacists since 1995. It is now time for the service to be developed on a national scale.” Mark also said “For the service to expand we needed external funding from the broader profession. Victoria money has been used to establish this valuable service and we have welcomed the support provided by national pharmacy organisations which will enable the service to develop further.”
The new Committee of Management includes the following representatives:
President John Coppock (Pharmaceutical Defence Limited delegate)
Vice President Michael Scavone (PSV delegate)
Treasurer Valda Comber (PSS member)
Secretary Kay Dunkley (Program Coordinator)
Ordinary members Val Constable (PSS member)
Mike Jury (Australian Friendly Societies Pharmacy Association delegate)
Michael Woger (Guild Group delegate)
Paul Gysslink (Pharmacists’ Division of APESMA delegate)
Bill Thomson (Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia delegate)
PSS also has another 16 members who mostly comprise the volunteers who provide the service. These volunteers, who remain anonymous, have all undertaken extensive and ongoing training to provide support to callers over the telephone in a similar manner to Lifeline volunteers.
The new President of PSS, John Coppock said “We are providing continuity of management during our transition by keeping outgoing Chairman, Michael Scavone, in the role of Vice President.” John also said “The next step in the expansion process is to introduce the service to Tasmanian pharmacists and we hope that this will be in place before the middle of 2010. We then would like to bring South Australia on board later in the year. We are planning a gradual state by state expansion but we will need increased funding to extend further.” John noted “Although the service is provided by volunteers, an adequate infrastructure is required to ensure that the service meets appropriate standards. Adequate ongoing training as well as policies and procedures are essential aspects of the service.”
Victorian pharmacists can access PSS on the toll free number 1300 244 910. PSS provides discreet support for pharmacists by pharmacists over the phone.
Media enquiries to John Coppock 0417 054 181
24 February 2010
‘LEARNING CAN BE FUN’ A PROVEN PHILOSOPHY OF PSA OFFSHORE CONFERENCE
The opportunity to improve your knowledge base and meet peers to exchange ideas and information with are the big attractions of the annual Offshore Conference for Springwood, NSW, pharmacist Peter ‘Pedro’ Roberts.
Mr Roberts has attended 18 Offshore Conferences and says they always live up his expectations and to their philosophy of “learning can be fun”.
“At the Offshore Conference you learn in a relaxed environment and also get the chance to meet your peers,” Mr Roberts said.
“It’s not just meeting your peers that proves valuable – it’s the exchange of ideas and information that shows you how others are doing things and how you can perhaps improve your own procedures.
“I also find that I am able to apply the knowledge I gain at the Offshore Conference to my day-to-day pharmacy business when I get back home.”
Mr Roberts said he also found the mix of business and clinical subjects offered to be a great attraction.
“The business sessions always give me very good ideas on how to organise and run my pharmacy and I really look forward to these,” he said.
“The drug updates are also very useful as they refresh your memory and also provide you with the latest information and research findings.
“The Offshore Conference really is the complete package.”
Mr Roberts said he will be attending the upcoming 2010 Annual Offshore Conference in Beijing and Shanghai from 28 April to 7 May 2010.
Attendance at the Offshore Conference provides the opportunity to achieve substantial CPD points ready for the new registration requirements.
To register or for further details go to the 2010 Annual Offshore Conference website at http://www.psa.org.au/conference
20 February 2010
PSA WELCOMES NEW ASMI HEAD
The appointment of Dr Deon Schoombie as the new Executive Director of the Australian Self-Medication Industry has been welcomed by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia.
President of the PSA, Warwick Plunkett, said Dr Schoombie, who is currently Scientific Director of ASMI, would bring wide-ranging and diverse experience to the role.
“Dr Schoombie has a passionate commitment to the health-care sector and is a general medical practitioner with a long history of experience in the pharmaceutical industry,” Mr Plunkett said.
“He brings to the role of Executive Director of ASMI wide experience in public policy, advertising, marketing and regulatory issues.
“In addition, he has worked in international medical publishing and hospital management and undertaken post graduate training in traditional Chinese medicine.”
Mr Plunkett said the health-care sector faced challenging times and Dr Schoombie was well-equipped to vigorously further the causes of ASMI and the interests of Australian health consumers.
“I would also like to express my gratitude to the outgoing Executive Director, Juliet Seifert, who has announced her resignation effective from August,” Mr Plunkett said.
“Ms Seifert has headed ASMI and its predecessor organisation for the past 21 years and has done so with enthusiasm, commitment and dedication.
“I would like to express my sincere thanks to Juliet for her outstanding contribution to the industry over many years.
“She has given the industry a lot and I wish her every success in the future.
“I look forward to continuing the PSA’s close association with ASMI and to working with Dr Schoombie in the challenging times ahead.”
18 February 2010
OPPORTUNITY FOR OFFSHORE CONFERENCE DELEGATES TO VISIT EXPO 2010 SHANGHAI
Delegates to the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia’s 2010 Annual Offshore Conference will have the opportunity to include a visit to the remarkable Expo 2010 Shanghai.
The Offshore Conference is being held in Beijing and Shanghai from 28 April to 7 May and a highlight will be the opportunity to visit Expo 2010 Shanghai on Thursday 6 May, only days after the long-anticipated event has officially opened.
Some 70 million visitors are expected to visit the vast Expo site which spans both sides of the Huangpu River, with 3.93 sq km in Pudong and 1.35 sq km in Puxi.
A total of 192 countries and 50 international organisations are exhibiting, with national pavilions ranging from the strikingly modern to very traditional styles.
The average daily number of visitors is expected to be 400,000 and each day at Expo there will be around 100 different cultural and recreational activities.
This year’s Annual Offshore Conference program will focus on respiratory, rheumatology and business management.
There will also be detailed sessions covering a range of therapeutic updates and these sessions are traditionally a feature of this annual event.
PSA National President Warwick Plunkett said the conference was designed to ensure pharmacists were kept up to date on current issues.
“The 2010 Offshore Conference will also examine the likely professional and business impacts on a practice arising from the fifth Community Pharmacy Agreement,” Mr Plunkett said.
Attendance provides the opportunity to achieve substantial CPD points ready for the new registration requirements.
To register or for further details go to the 2010 Annual Offshore Conference website at http://www.psa.org.au/conference.
15 February 2010
PSA CALLS FOR $294.5m NATIONAL PHARMACY HEALTH SERVICES PROGRAM
The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia has called on the Federal Government to support the development and delivery of national preventive health programs aimed at reducing the burden of chronic disease and preventable conditions by investing $294.5 million over four years in a National Pharmacy Health Services Program
In its 2010-11 Budget Submission, the PSA says demand for health services is predicted to increase exponentially due to a range of factors including ageing of the population, advances in medical science and technology, and higher incidence of chronic diseases. Chronic diseases, including cancers, are estimated to be responsible for more than 80 per cent of the burden of disease and injury.
“Greater investment in preventive health programs has been recognised as a means of improving the efficiency of and saving expenditure on Australia’s health system. Current spending on public health programs and activities accounts for just over 2 per cent of total health expenditure,” the PSA submission says.
The Government is expected to respond to the National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission (NHHRC), the National Primary Health Care Strategy (NPHCS) and the National Preventative Health Taskforce (NPHT) reports in 2010 with a comprehensive health-reform strategy which is expected to include the pharmacy profession.
“PSA believes that a significant opportunity resides in the existing community pharmacy network and infrastructure for the implementation of a range of effective national preventive health programs delivered through community pharmacies in partnership with other members of the primary care team,” the submission says.
“The expertise of pharmacists in the provision of preventive health services and chronic disease management can, and should, be utilised widely and more effectively.”
As part of its submission, PSA proposes that the Australian Government partner with PSA by supporting a national roll-out of the Pharmacy Self Care program.
The program maximises the opportunities for health interventions presented in the community pharmacy setting by uniquely integrating: preventive health information for the public, including improving levels of health literacy; education for pharmacists and their staff; promotion of health and the important role of pharmacy; and facilitating referral from the pharmacy to other members of the primary health-care team.
“It is well accepted that preventive health interventions work and will provide savings to health outlays over time. It is accepted also that health interventions by pharmacists work and can save scarce health dollars. PSA’s proposal offers the opportunity for the Government to move beyond the ad hoc, limited-reach projects that have characterised much of Australia’s preventive health initiatives to date,” the submission says.
15 February 2010
TOP CHINESE OFFICIALS AT OFFSHORE CONFERENCE
The Vice Chairperson of the National People's Congress and President of the Chinese Pharmaceutical Association, Professor Sang Guowei, will officiate at the opening ceremony for the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia’s 2010 Annual Offshore Conference.
Announcing the move, National President of the PSA Warwick Plunkett, said Professor Sang’s presence is an indication of the regard in which the conference is held by the Chinese Government and the Chinese pharmacy profession.
“I hand delivered the invitation in Beijing and Professor Sang responded quickly to say he would be delighted to attend our official opening and give a welcome to delegates on behalf of Chinese pharmacists,” Mr Plunkett said.
“We have also invited Professor Chen Zhu, the Chinese Minister for Health, which is one of the Ministries that reports to Professor Sang.
“Our presence in China has been warmly welcomed by the Chinese Pharmaceutical Association which sees this as an opportunity to strengthen relations with Australian pharmacy and help progress their professional advancement.
“We have reciprocated by inviting 15 nominated members of the CPA to attend the conference as our guests”
Mr Plunkett said the Australian Embassy had been enthusiastic about the development of such a relationship between the two countries’ professional pharmacy organisations and had been most supportive in facilitating interaction between the two groups.
“The Australian Ambassador, Dr Geoff Raby, will also address the conference during the opening ceremony and is hosting a reception for senior officials from both organisations.”
The conference, being held in Beijing and Shanghai from 28 April to 7 May 2010, has also been given special recognition from the Chinese Government by being granted permission to hold the Welcome Dinner in the Great Hall of the People - a rare honour.
Attendance at the Offshore Conference provides the opportunity to achieve substantial CPD points ready for the new registration requirements.
For registrations or further details go to the 2010 Annual Offshore Conference website at http://www.psa.org.au/conference
15 February 2010
PSA ON FACEBOOK
The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia has launched a Facebook site which is quickly gaining an increasing number of fans.
The site keeps fans updated with news and information on PSA activities as well as providing them the opportunity to comment and provide feedback.
National Vice-President of the PSA, Dr Lisa Nissen, said the decision to create a Facebook site reflected the Society’s growing recognition of the changing demographics of the pharmacy profession.
“A growing proportion of today’s pharmacists are of the generation which uses social media extensively,” Dr Nissen said.
“It is important that the vast range of services and offerings available to PSA members is widely publicised and we have found the Facebook site has gained very quick and strong acceptance among PSA’s members.
“It is indicative of the forward-thinking view that PSA has and its willingness to embrace the technology that is widely used throughout the community today.”
Dr Nissen said fans could use the site to check on professional development opportunities, catch up on pharmacy news and events, or use it to link through to other PSA sites.
“I am very excited that our Facebook site has been so widely accepted so quickly,” Dr Nissen said.
“I am confident that it will further the opportunities for our members to further their development opportunities and become leaders in their profession.
“It also gives PSA an opportunity to receive some pertinent and real-time feedback from its members.”
Go to the site at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pharmaceutical-Society-of-Australia/235688174116
8 February 2010
OFFSHORE CONFERENCE EXAMINES RESPIRATORY VIRUSES AND PANDEMICS
In the last century a number of major global pandemics had disastrous effects on the world’s population as well as causing health care professionals to reassess how we deal with such pandemic situations.
More recently, the swine influenza pandemic reminded the world that while pandemics may now be a less-common occurrence, they are still an ever-present threat, despite advances in health and medical science.
The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia’s 2010 Annual Offshore Conference from 28 April to 7 May 2010 will feature a special presentation on Respiratory Viruses and Pandemics, presented by leading consultant physician at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Professor Paul Seale.
Professor Seale says the main virus responsible for these pandemics in influenza A, and the main natural reservoir for this virus is water birds.
“My presentation will describe how, through evolution, the influenza A virus has been able to take on characteristics which allow it to be transmitted from human to human,” he says.
“It will also discuss appropriate health measures which can be taken to limit the spread of the virus, and the role of the pharmacist in this endeavour.”
The 2010 conference is being held in Beijing and Shanghai with a focus on respiratory, rheumatology and business management as well as a range of topical therapeutic updates.
The conference sessions will inform pharmacists on current issues and will examine the likely professional and business impacts on a practice arising from the fifth Community Pharmacy Agreement.
Professor Seale is one of a number of featured specialist presenters who will address the conference at which delegates can earn substantial CPD points ready for the new registration requirements.
A feature of the social program of the conference will be a dinner in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, only months after the celebrations for 60th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. Professor Sang Guowei President of the Chinese Pharmaceutical Association and Vice Chairperson of the National People's Congress, and Professor Chen Zhu, the Chinese Minister for Health, have been invited to officiate.
To register or for further details go to the 2010 Annual Offshore Conference website at http://www.psa.org.au/conference
1 February 2010
INTERGENERATIONAL REPORT UNDERSCORES NEED FOR MORE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES IN PHARMACY
The importance of increasing the availability of professional services available through pharmacy has been highlighted by the release of the Third Intergenerational Report.
Launching the report, the Treasurer Wayne Swan said the proportion of Australia’s population aged 65 and over is expected to almost double over the next 40 years. Today there are five working aged people to every person aged 65 and over but by 2050, this ratio will fall to only 2.7 people.
Acting President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, Grant Kardachi, said the report clearly pointed to increased spending on pharmaceuticals as the population ages, and a proportionately lower ratio of taxpayers available to carry the cost burden of this higher rate of usage.
“But we can help to reduce the need for medications in the ageing by introducing targeted preventive services through pharmacy which will result in a healthier population less dependent on pharmaceuticals to maintain their wellbeing,” Mr Kardachi said.
“Already pharmacy, working collaboratively with other health professionals, has proved its effectiveness in the delivery of such services as Homes Medicines Reviews and medication services. It also provides programs addressing smoking cessation, weight loss and diabetes – to name but a few.
“Clearly boosting the number of professional services available through pharmacy will go a long way to helping the Government manage the increased cost of looking after the growing ageing population.”
Mr Kardachi said the Government’s own reports driving the health-care reform agenda had clearly pointed to professional services as being a foundation in the development of a more efficient and cost-effective health system.
“The Primary Health Care report and the Preventive Health report both clearly see prevention as preferable to cure and professional services are the frontline in prevention, advice and information for the consumer,” Mr Kardachi said.
“In the Fifth Community Pharmacy Agreement being negotiated at present, the Government has a unique opportunity to implement these recommendations through professional services.
“This will not only help build a healthier Australia in the future but also help contain the staggering costs forecasts in the Third Intergenerational Report.
”Community pharmacies as the most accessible health professionals in the country are best-placed to implement these services. The infrastructure is in place and the only thing required is for the Government to seize upon this opportunity for the benefit of all Australians.”
MEDIA CONTACT: Grant Kardachi (08) 8294 9793 or 0439 833 324
Peter Waterman 0419 260 827
Return to home
Dr Andrew Byrne & Associates: Fatal torsade tachycardia due to methadone either rare or non-existent finds Norwegian study
Neil Retallick: A time of pivotal change will require new ways of thinking about community pharmacy
Neil Johnston: Dispensing errors and criminality
Post new comment