1. Check your lungs for World Pharmacists Day
September 15, 2017
New South Wales residents are being urged to have their lungs checked by a pharmacist to screen for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) as part of World Pharmacists Day.
To mark World Pharmacists Day 2017 on September 25, the peak national body for pharmacists, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has partnered with the Lung Foundation Australia and several community pharmacists in Sydney and Newcastle to provide free health checks to screen people for COPD.
Almost 1.5 million Australians have COPD, according to the latest research.1 For people who live with the condition, it feels like breathing through a straw and makes everyday activities like hanging out the washing and walking to the shops difficult because they get breathless.
PSA NSW President Professor Peter Carroll said: “Early detection can help reduce the impact of COPD, and screening by a pharmacist can help identify COPD risk. Working collaboratively with GPs and other healthcare professionals, pharmacists can assist in organising further testing and management if required.
“Pharmacists are highly accessible and are trained to provide advice and services to improve the health of the community. This COPD initiative highlights the role pharmacists can play beyond the supply and management of medications.”
With around 300 million patient visits per year, pharmacies are a common first-stop for people seeking medicines and care for minor ailments, particularly when other health services are not available. Yet, many Australians are unaware of the other services pharmacies offer that can help to achieve better health.
“In addition to providing medicines and health information, pharmacists in Australia are equipped to provide certain vaccinations, conduct medication reviews, check blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar, and screen for certain diseases, among other services,” Professor Carroll said.
“Talk to your local pharmacist to see how they can support you with trusted health advice.”
Free COPD screening will be available from 9.30am until 4.00pm at:
- ChemistWorks at Broadway Shopping Centre on Thursday 21 September
- Westfield Kotara (outside Coles, Level 1) in Newcastle on Friday 22 September.
(Bookings are not required)
To celebrate World Pharmacists Day 2017, PSA is highlighting the healthcare services and consumer benefits delivered by pharmacists around Australia.
For more information, visit: www.psa.org.au/world-pharmacists-day
1. Toelle B, Xuan W, Bird T, Abramson M, Burton D, Hunter M, Johns D, Maguire G, Wood-Baker R, Marks G. COPD in the Australian burden of lung disease (BOLD) study. Respirology 2011;16 (Suppl 1):12
2. Pharmacist generosity supports new Pharmacy House
September 8, 2017
Many pharmacists and leading pharmacy organisations across Australia have donated funds for the development of a modern pharmacy hub in Canberra for the peak national body for pharmacists, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA).
Construction is progressing for the purpose-built Pharmacy House, located in Deakin close to Parliament House, and designed to ensure PSA continues to provide the best member and advocacy services for all pharmacists.
Launching Stage 2 of the fundraising campaign, PSA National President Dr Shane Jackson congratulated pharmacists – including PSA members – and several leading pharmacy organisations that have supported the new building.
“I sincerely thank the pharmacists and organisations who have donated to the new Pharmacy House – their support will ensure it’s more than just a building; it’s part of a drive into the future for all pharmacists providing healthcare to all Australians,” Dr Jackson said.
“We are very grateful to those members who have already donated to the new building, and hope members will continue to support their headquarters over the next 12 months.”
Many pharmacists have already donated along with companies including Pharmaceutical Defence Ltd (PDL).
PDL CEO David Brown said: “PDL acts in support of pharmacists and the profession and is a longstanding, proud supporter of PSA, dedicated to improving our nation’s health through excellence in pharmacist care.”
PSA member Warwick Wilkinson AO FPS made a generous contribution to the new building, resulting in the creation of the Wilkinson Room.
“I’ve been involved with PSA since the late 1940s when, as a pharmacy apprentice, I attended a series of orientation lectures about the profession,” said Mr Wilkinson from NSW. “Over the years, I have had the privilege of serving the Society in various roles. It’s important for the pharmacy profession to have a significant building and facilities suitable to meet future needs.”
The impressive building will honour PSA’s past and present achievements as well as embody the exciting future for all pharmacists in Australia.
Pharmacy House will incorporate a members’ lounge, multi-functional boardroom and a display of historical pharmacy artefacts donated to PSA over many years. For more information about Pharmacy House or to make a donation, click here >>
Watch a time lapse video of construction so far: https://youtu.be/E2K6mm5Byu8