Pharmacy review an opportunity to improve the future
July 27, 2016
Pharmacists have welcomed the opportunity to contribute to the Review of Pharmacy Remuneration and Regulation following the release of a Discussion Paper by the Federal Government, the peak national body for pharmacists, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) said today.
The Discussion Paper outlines an extensive range of questions and issues that are critical to the future of the pharmacy profession.
Importantly, it’s encouraging to see many comments made by PSA in its briefing to the Panel as well as issues raised in thePSA 6CPA Discussion Paper appearing as critical questions from the Panel. For example: examining the potential for payment for professional pharmacist services through the MBS, the potential for payment level linked to complexity, the potential for improvement to HMR rules, the potential for improving rural and remote support and access and the potential for improvement to access to medicines management services by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People.
PSA National President Joe Demarte said PSA would develop a comprehensive submission in response to the Discussion Paper as well as meeting with the Review Panel.
“PSA encourages all pharmacists across Australia to attend the Review consultation sessions and also let PSA know their views regarding questions raised in the paper via pharmacyreview@psa.org.au,” Mr Demarte said.
“PSA is a strong supporter of a viable, sustainable community pharmacy network in Australia.
“As a learning profession committed to evidence-based models of care, there are always opportunities to consider new ways for pharmacists to enhance service delivery. PSA is open to considering better ways to enable pharmacists to deliver healthcare to consumers, including through improved remuneration arrangements.”
Mr Demarte said: “The Review is a critical opportunity to shape the future direction of pharmacy practice in Australia. It’s also fundamental to the future of all pharmacists and we encourage everyone to get involved in the consultation process and have their say on this important issue.
“PSA is committed to a strategic, practical plan to meet the future needs of consumers and improve remuneration for pharmacists by engaging in this important review process.
“We understand the urgent need to improve remuneration for pharmacists – our PSA Member Survey highlighted that remuneration is the single largest challenge facing the pharmacy profession.”
Pharmacists have a unique opportunity to receive a first-hand update from the Review Panel members by attending the PSA16 conference (July 29-31), as well as attend a panel with Presidents and representatives of all of the pharmacy organisations talking about how to improve pharmacist remuneration.
Dorothy Lucardie receives OAM for adult education service
July 27, 2016
Highly-respected adult educator and Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) National Training Manager Dorothy Lucardie has been honoured with an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) as part of the Queen’s Birthday celebrations.
Ms Lucardie, who’s currently completing a PhD on ‘learning for fun’ at Federation University in Victoria, was awarded an OAM for her outstanding service to adult education in Australia.
Her passion and commitment to leadership in adult education has resulted in a range of significant achievements including being Adult Learning Australia (ALA) president, Albury Wodonga Community College chief executive officer and an Australian Coalition for Educational Development member.
Ms Lucardie – who is a researcher and administrator in adult education – was also inducted into the Hall of Fame for adult educators in 2014.
She has said that her interest in education started when she went back to evening school to complete her Higher School Certificate after having her first child.
PSA National President Joe Demarte applauded Ms Lucardie for her outstanding achievements and commitment to excellence.
“Being bestowed with an OAM is a fantastic reward for Ms Lucardie after many years of hard work and dedication to her passion of adult learning including in the pharmacy sector,” Mr Demarte said.
“On behalf of PSA, I thank her for wonderful work over recent years in education and training to help improve education standards of pharmacists in Australia.”
PSA Life Member Philip Messenger also received an OAM for his service to the Benalla community.
“PSA congratulates Philip on his outstanding achievement,” Mr Demarte said.
“We believe he is a pharmacist of high-standing that deserves the appropriate recognition within the Order of Australia.”