New legislation to deliver a real-time prescription monitoring system in Victoria has been welcomed by the peak national body for pharmacists, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA).

Legislation introduced into the Victorian Parliament yesterday will establish the legislative framework for a Victorian real-time monitoring system.

PSA Victorian President Benjamin Marchant said PSA welcomed the long-overdue system, which will support clinical decision-making by prescribers and pharmacists to optimise use of medicines and save lives in Victoria.

“The system will allow timely and relevant information to be shared among prescribers and pharmacists, ensuring potent medicines are used safely,” Mr Marchant said. “The system will identify people at risk of harm and provide referral pathways for pharmacists to support our patients.

“PSA supports the Victorian legislation’s mandatory requirements for prescribers and pharmacists. The system should be integrated and streamlined for prescribing and dispensing software to ensure it is effective and useable.”

PSA National President Dr Shane Jackson said PSA applauded Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt’s announcement at PSA17 on Friday 28 July that the Government would commit $16 million to immediately establish a real-time monitoring system for dangerous prescription drugs.

“In recent years PSA has strongly advocated for a national real-time recording system to monitor specific high-risk medicines,” Dr Jackson said.

“We believe this issue requires urgent collaboration and coordination across all jurisdictions to minimise unintended harm for consumers seeking treatment for pain or managing addiction.

“PSA supports Victoria starting this process and looks forward to a national approach on this important issue.

“PSA looks forward to working with the Government to ensure the pharmacy workforce is adequately prepared to implement the system and appropriate patient care is provided.”

Read PSA’s Position statement on real-time recording and reporting of drugs of dependence here>>

Experienced and innovative pharmacist Bob Buckham has been appointed Executive Director of Policy, Advocacy and Innovation for the peak national body for pharmacists, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA).

Mr Buckham has been working as Chief Pharmacist Advisor for Pharmaceutical Society of New Zealand (PSNZ) where he led the delivery of professional, clinical and regulatory advice and support to NZ members across all sectors of the pharmacy profession.

He will replace Dr Alison Roberts – the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) 2016 Innovative Pharmacist of the Year – who previously held the role since 2014. Dr Roberts was recently appointed CEO of a new not-for-profit industry association.

PSA CEO Dr Lance Emerson said he was delighted to announce the appointment of Mr Buckham who has enjoyed a successful and wide-ranging pharmacy career.

“As a high-achieving pharmacist leader, Mr Buckham has a strong background in hospital clinical practice and medicines information and has also worked in the UK’s hospital system,” Dr Emerson said.

“He has been a regular at many of PSA’s major events and has a strong understanding of PSA and our policy and advocacy agenda, after being on the Professional Practice Standards and Code of Ethics Advisory Group.”

Mr Buckham – who will start the role with PSA on October 9 this year – also led the design and development of an Integrated Healthcare Framework for pharmacy and medical professions to develop new services, and developed a partnership with PSA to deliver leadership qualifications in NZ. He has presented at numerous conferences in NZ and internationally and enjoys engaging with pharmacists and health professionals on social media, especially twitter.

Dr Emerson paid tribute to Dr Roberts for her outstanding contribution to the pharmacy profession and PSA over the past 20 years.

“Dr Roberts has been a passionate, inspirational and forward-thinking leader for the profession, and has been at the forefront of innovation and change management for the pharmacy sector over many years,” Dr Emerson said.
“Amongst her achievements, Alison led PSA’s work on the Award-winning Health Destination Pharmacy program, helped to progress many new career pathways such as general practice pharmacists and was appointed to numerous Ministerial committees with a major influence in successive community pharmacy agreements.

“I applaud Alison for her enthusiastic and outstanding service and contribution to the profession and PSA and wish her all the very best with her future endeavour.”