Pharmacist headquarters construction launched by Assistant Health Minister
May 24, 2017
The start of construction for a new, state-of-the-art building to be a modern pharmacy hub was officially launched in Canberra today by Federal Assistant Health Minister Dr David Gillespie for the peak national body for pharmacists, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA).
The purpose-built Pharmacy House, located in Deakin and close to Parliament House, Federal Government departments and other national medical organisations, will empower PSA to pursue its vision of improving the health of Australians through excellence in pharmacist care.
Pharmacy House – which is set to become a local landmark – will be designed to ensure PSA continues to provide the best member and advocacy services for pharmacists across Australia.
During the launch ceremony, the Hon Dr Gillespie – the Federal Member for Lyne – turned the first sod along with PSA leaders at the historic building site to mark the beginning of construction.
PSA National Vice President Michelle Lynch said the impressive building would honour PSA’s past and present achievements as well as embody the exciting future for all pharmacists in Australia.
“Pharmacy House will be more than just a building; it’s part of a drive into the future for all pharmacists who are the most accessible healthcare professionals in Australia,” Ms Lynch said.
“Importantly, PSA will retain the name Pharmacy House and the location will be on the same site as the original Pharmacy House built in 1984, which was built thanks to the generosity of members.
“We are very grateful to those members who have already donated to the new building, and hope that members will continue to support their headquarters over the next 12 months.”
PSA CEO Dr Lance Emerson said: “The new Pharmacy House positions PSA as an increasingly influential stakeholder and advocacy organisation in the national healthcare sector.”
“We have chosen Canberra for our national headquarters – and the innovative building is expected to become a pharmacy hub and a landmark in its own right,” Dr Emerson said.
Pharmacy House will incorporate a members’ lounge, multi-functional boardroom featuring as well as a display of historical pharmacy artefacts donated to PSA over many years. The display will tell a special story of pharmacists in Australia and will be a showpiece of the new Pharmacy House.
PSA and NAPSA partnership supports pharmacists’ future
May 22, 2017
The National Australian Pharmacy Students’ Association (NAPSA) has signed a revised partnership agreement with the peak national body for pharmacists, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA).
“We are delighted to continue this strong relationship with PSA,” said NAPSA President Shefali Parekh. “PSA has provided strong support for NAPSA over many years and values the contribution pharmacy students can make to the profession.”
“NAPSA thanks PSA for its continued support of pharmacy students in Australia and allowing their attendance at PSA’s annual conference.”
PSA CEO Dr Lance Emerson said as the peak body for all pharmacists, PSA was delighted to once again partner with NAPSA to support the future of the profession.
“PSA has enjoyed a long and proud history of supporting pharmacy students, who make up a vital part of PSA’s membership. Our role is to ensure the profession has a vibrant future and our members have rewarding and exciting career pathways. PSA is delighted to be supporting NAPSA to ensure there is a professionally and financially rewarding and sustainable future for young pharmacists in Australia. We encourage all pharmacy students to become PSA members with free student membership.”
Pharmacy students are also encouraged to attend the flagship conference for pharmacists, PSA17 which has a range of guest speakers and panel sessions along with other activities targeted to help students kick-start their careers and substantially improve their skills and knowledge base.
Ms Parekh said: “Students can gain a lot by attending the conference as the sessions can really give you an edge in your career as they are focussed on pharmacists’ needs and are presented by people with expert knowledge in their fields.”
NAPSA is also proud to announce that in addition to this agreement, they will be a key partner to the Early Career Pharmacist forum: the future of pharmacist practice. A dedicated NAPSA lounge area will be available for NAPSA representatives to have a priority presence. Ms Parekh said: “We look forward to interacting with PSA17 delegates in a fun and informal space”.
Ms Parekh will also be a panellist on the first-ever Women in Leadership Panel: “Thank you PSA for the opportunity to inspire female pharmacy students at PSA17.”
PSA Early Career Pharmacist Board Director Taren Gill said: “I’m excited NAPSA and PSA are working together – the winner here is a pharmacy future full of motivated ECPs and leaders in the profession. PSA17 is a great opportunity to build your network of future colleagues and I look forward to meeting NAPSA members at the ECP event.”
PSA17 is being held at The Hyatt Regency Sydney, in Darling Harbour from 28-30 July 2017. To register and find out more visit www.psa17.com .