MEDICINEWISE UPDATE
SEPTEMBER 2018
1. Steve Morris welcomed as new NPS MedicineWise Chief Executive Officer
It’s a funny thing taking over the leadership of an organisation that has been personally influential throughout one’s own career. When I first moved to Australia from the UK in 2009 I was already familiar with the then National Prescribing Service and an avid user of its resources. In the UK I was deputy CEO of the closest UK equivalent – the National Prescribing Centre – and the unique Australian model for driving quality use of medicines has long been admired as the gold standard within international circles.
As someone who is passionate about quality use of health technologies and the implementation of evidence-based practice, I jumped at the opportunity to head up NPS MedicineWise. A week or two into the job and I’m astounded at the depth and breadth of expertise, and people’s commitment to achieving our mission. The past few months have been challenging as the organisation adjusts to significant Commonwealth funding cuts, but our staff are resilient, focused on meeting the needs of Australian health professionals and consumers, and always ensuring the highest quality standards for our products and services.
I look forward to the journey ahead as we continue to build a medicinewise Australia, and invite you to share your ideas and perspectives with us anytime.
2. PPIs in GORD: Supporting patients to step down
Boost your credits before the CPD year ends with our new Pharmacy Practice Review. Reflect on your support of patients who are using PPI medicines. Refresh your knowledge about long-term risks, adverse effects and other medicines that may make reflux symptoms worse.
3. Glecaprevir/pibrentasvir for hepatitis C
The latest RADAR In Brief article includes a Q&A with Associate Professor Simone Strasser – Senior Staff Specialist, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, President-elect, Gastroenterological Society of Australia.
