1. World Pharmacists Day, Thursday 25 September 2014
Pharmacists and pharmacy students around Australia will celebrate World Pharmacists Day on Thursday 25 September, with a series of health promotion events, health check services and fun activities.
The theme of this year’s events, Access to pharmacists is access to health, aims to increase public awareness of the role pharmacists play to support healthy living and how pharmacists provide essential healthcare services to Australians every day through the supply of medicines, health advice and professional services.
An initiative of the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), World Pharmacists Day is celebrated annually to promote and advocate for the role of the pharmacist in improving health in every corner of the world. In Australia, pharmacists are among the top three trusted professions in Australia, providing essential healthcare services to Australians every day through the supply of medicines, health advice and professional services. Australia’s network of over 5,000 community pharmacies, public and private hospitals and the pharmaceutical industry support a workforce of 28,000 pharmacists nationwide.
World Pharmacists Day events will feature PSA’s Self Care program, that provides evidence based, independent health information, advice and health promotion tools to pharmacists to use in their communities.
An event at Chemistworks Broadway in Sydney will feature comprehensive health checks, the community in Orange, NSW will enjoy compounding demonstrations at Discount Drug Store, while Hunter St Mall, Newcastle will feature a pop-up stall providing health advice and blood pressure checks to city workers.
In Victoria, early career pharmacists and pharmacy students will be handing out Self Care fact cards to the public in Melbourne and Bendigo, including medicines and driving fact cards as part of a collaboration with the Transport Accident Commission (TAC).
In WA, a partnership between PSA and the Western Australian Pharmacy Students Association (WAPSA) will see pharmacists and pharmacy students at a pop-up stall at Waterford Plaza Shopping Centre, Karawara, providing health advice to community members.
- For more information on NSW events, please contact Ryan Broom: 02 9431 1132
- For more information on Vic events, please contact Bill Suen: 03 9389 4001
- For more information on WA events, please contact Stefanie Johnston: 08 9388 2886
The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia is the peak national professional pharmacy organisation. It represents all of Australia´s pharmacists working in all sectors and locations, with a vision to improve the nation’s health through excellence in the practice of pharmacy.
2. Lloyd Sansom AO to speak at PAC14
Emeritus Professor Lloyd Sansom AO will speak about where he believes pharmacist practice in Australia is heading at the opening of the 2014 Pharmacy Australia Congress (PAC14).
In 2014 Professor Sansom is celebrating his 40th year as editor of the Australian pharmaceutical formulary and handbook. He has been editor for 11 editions with his 12th, the Australian pharmaceutical formulary and handbook 23rd edition, due for release in early 2015.
Emeritus Professor Sansom has been a major influence on pharmacy education and research over many years. His contribution to research has been recognised by the establishment of the Sansom Research Institute for Health Research at the University of South Australia.
As Chair of the Australian Pharmaceutical Advisory Council from 1991 to 2001, Emeritus Professor Sansom was a driving force behind the Australian National Medicines Policy which underpins the Australian medicines system. His contribution and commitment to quality use of medicines continues in his current roles as Special Advisor, National Medicines Policy Framework, Department of Health, and as Chair of the South Australian Medicines Advisory Committee.
Another of his notable achievements was to be the first pharmacist and longest-serving chair of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC). In 2002 Emeritus Professor Sansom was made an Officer of the Order of Australia for his “service to pharmacy in the development and implementation of “best practice” principles for the profession, medication management and education, and as a contributor to the development of national pharmaceutical policy”.
PAC14 will be held at the National Convention Centre from Friday 10 to Sunday 12 October 2014. Professor Sansom will speak at 9.15 on Friday 10 October.
PAC14’s will offer a wide range of clinical, practice, business and management sessions under the congress theme: Solve the pharmacy puzzle which will focus on the changing nature of pharmacy.
The sessions will help pharmacists to prepare to meet and make the most of the challenges and opportunities these changes present.”
An individual can accomplish 28.5 CPD credits, including 24 group 2 credits, while attending PAC14.
Full program information and online registration is available at www.psa.org.au/pac
3. Ninety per cent funded qualifications for Tasmanians
Pharmacists and pharmacy staff in Tasmania now have the opportunity to undertake three of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia’s leading qualifications at a greatly reduced price.
This follows PSA being successful in obtaining 90 per cent Government funded places* for three of its most popular qualifications.
What this means for pharmacists and support staff is that they pay only 10 per cent of the full price of the qualification, enabling them to gain a qualification for less than $300.
Tasmanian State President of the PSA, Shane Jackson, said the special funding arrangement would help many in the pharmacy profession expand their skills.
“Now for a very low price they can complete the best possible qualifications utilising flexible online learning which are self-paced with the full support of the PSA,” Dr Jackson said.
“These courses are available to individuals and employers so there are great opportunities for people to expand their skills base.
“There has never been a better time to get qualified or invest in your staff training.”
The three qualifications covered under the funding are:
Diploma of Management – $299.50 (full price $2995)
For both pharmacists and pharmacy assistants, especially those in management roles or aspiring to management positions.
Certificate III in Community Pharmacy – $285 (full price $2850)
Great for new pharmacy assistant staff. Includes comprehensive product knowledge and standard pharmacy operations.
Certificate IV in Community Pharmacy – $300 (full price $3000)
For experienced pharmacy assistant staff. Includes specialised elective streams including health care support and pharmacy dispensary.
* This training is subsidised by Skills Tasmania
Full details are available at http://www.psa.org.au/events/tasmanian-calendar-and-events