Available now for public access through both AdPha and RACGP, the Resource Kit
comprises three resources to support clear, accurate and timely communication as
patients transition through care providers:

1. Practice Update: Medication Management at Transitions of Care clearly defines
the role of the hospital pharmacist, general practice pharmacist (GPP), and the
general practitioner (GP) in delivering safe and quality medication management
services to their patients transitioning between acute and primary care.

2. Resource for healthcare professionals: Safe Medication Management at
Transitions of Care supports healthcare professionals in ensuring safe and
effective medication management during patient transitions between care
settings.

3. Resources for consumers: Medication safety when moving between the
community and hospital helps consumers manage their medicines safely when
moving between home and hospital.

The Transitions of Care resources are now available at the following:
– Medication Management at Transitions of Care Resource Kit (AdPha)
– Medication Management at Transitions of Care Resource Kit (RACGP)

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The roadmaps were developed by FIP in collaboration with its regional pharmaceutical forums and, for the European Region, with FIP member organisations in Europe as there is no FIP regional pharmaceutical forum in the European region.

The roadmap for the African Region describes eight AMR and antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) priority actions, including encouraging the use of point-of-care diagnostic tools to differentiate between viral and bacterial infections and inform the selection of antimicrobials. Six actions for pharmacists across the region of the Americas are prioritised, including educating other healthcare providers about AMR and encouraging interprofessional collaboration within AMS programmes.

The publication also presents various activities that have already been undertaken in countries of each region. For example, in the Eastern Mediterranean region, pharmacists are monitoring and supporting patients who have been exposed to antimicrobial resistant microorganisms.

“AMR should be a concern for every country, and for pharmacists in every country. FIP is supporting the profession to combat AMR in a number of ways, including that one of the 21 FIP Development Goals guiding the transformation of the profession is antimicrobial stewardship. These new roadmaps have been developed to follow previous roadmaps for the 2020 to 2024 period, so that we can continue to drive actions on AMR,” said Manjiri Gharat, co-chair of the FIP AMR Commission (to September 2024) and contributor to the publication.

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The Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) has announced the recipients of the Dr Erica
Sainsbury Awards, which were established to recognise and reward leaders in pharmacy
education and practice.

Awards were presented to:
• Mr Branko Radojkovic: Early Career Pharmacy Educator Award
• Dr Hilai Ahmadzai: Pharmacist Supervisor Award (Hospital)
• Mrs Shanae Draffen: Pharmacist Supervisor Award (Outstanding support of
overseas-trained pharmacists)
• Ms Taren Gill: Pharmacist Supervisor Award (Community)

The Dr Erica Sainsbury Early Career Pharmacy Educator Award recognises and rewards an
individual who demonstrates innovation and passion in teaching and who places students first and foremost.

The Dr Erica Sainsbury Pharmacist Supervisor Award recognises and rewards pharmacists
who display the attributes and skills considered invaluable in the training of pharmacy interns during the period of supervised practice. Interns submit nominations for their preceptor or supervising pharmacists. New categories for the supervisor award were introduced this year recognising preceptors in hospital, community, and for those supporting overseas-trained pharmacists.

CEO, Bronwyn Clark says Erica Sainsbury shifted the dial in our thinking about accreditation and social accountability and these awards recognise both early career educators and intern supervisors.

“We saw an outstanding selection of applications this year and I pass on my congratulations to this year’s winners. I know Erica would have loved to hear their stories,” Ms Clark expressed.

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Presenting the award on the final day of Medicines Management 2024 (MM2024) in Adelaide, AdPha President Tom Simpson FANZCAP (Lead&Mgmt) says Susan is a strong and effective mentor for many up-and-coming pharmacists seeking to make an impact in equitable access to health care. ‘Susan is a tireless advocate for rural pharmacists.
‘Understanding the unique skill required to work in rural and remote areas, Susan is constantly finding ways to support the growth and development of pharmacists to help them deliver optimal outcomes for their patients such as advocating for AdPha to provide a credentialling program for Partnered Pharmacist Medication Charting.
‘As Chair of the AdPha Rural and Remote Leadership Committee, she has successfully campaigned for ongoing recognition of her field and in her role as Deputy Director of Pharmacy at Northeast Health Wangaratta, she is leading the development of an innovative and collaborative pharmacy internship program giving interns exposure to multiple rural health services including community pharmacy and general practice.
‘Susan also convenes a collaborative network of rural hospital pharmacy interns and their preceptors across the north of Victoria, enabling knowledge sharing via clinical case presentations, connecting peers across health service boundaries, and supporting newly registered pharmacists to guide the next cohort of interns that follow in their footsteps – her efforts to ensure early career pharmacists thrive in rural practice environments knows no bounds.’

In supporting her nomination, fellow AdPha Rural and Remote Leadership Committee member Kelly Beswick said Susan is always the first to ensure there is a Rural and Remote lens included within relevant standards of practice and advocacy efforts.‘Susan is a fierce advocate for rural and remote health, ensuring that the nuance of living and working in these locations is understood and recognised.
‘She is always looking for ways to promote the rewards of working in these challenging but rewarding locations, and to provide ongoing professional development and education for practitioners working in these areas.’

In his letter of commendation, David Ford, Director of Pharmacy at Northeast Health Wangaratta said Susan has committed herself to ensuring her experience and opinion is heard, both within and outside the region.
‘Susan is a warrior for equitable and accessible rural health services for people who reside in the country.
‘She also leads intern pharmacy programs, networking and education, which are important strategies to help ensure early career pharmacists remain practising in rural communities.

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PSA’s Projects team managed over 40 initiatives in the 2023-24 financial year, partnering with government bodies, Primary Health Networks, and other health stakeholders to address priority health areas. The Impact Report showcases these projects, including:
Accessible first aid in a mental health crisis: Upskilling more than 400 pharmacists and pharmacy staff in South Australia to recognise early warning signs of mental ill health, with 97.3% of participants reporting increased confidence in providing initial support.
Tackling the loneliness epidemic: A world-first training initiative that addresses loneliness as a health risk, with more than 1,200 pharmacists enrolling in this program in its first three months, giving them tools to tackle social isolation and improve patient outcomes.
Pharmacists supporting palliative care: Establishing foundation training pathways for pharmacists to upskill in palliative care, as well as preparing to pilot 6 new models of community palliative care pharmacist roles in 2025/26.

The report also highlights the personal impact of these projects, including stories of pharmacists like Natasha, who are on the ground supporting rural patients in end-of-life care, demonstrating the critical  role pharmacists can play in improving comfort, access, and safety for patients managing terminal conditions.

On the release of PSA’s first Impact Report, PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS expresses gratitude to all involved stakeholders and highlights the importance of engaging with the health sector through project partnerships.

“As the government-recognised peak body representing all 39,000 pharmacists across all areas of practice, we are proud to be connecting pharmacists and health sector innovators to improve healthcare for all Australians,” Associate Professor Sim said.

“This Impact Report showcases projects that drive the Quality Use of Medicines and medicine safety, that enhance access to care and expand scope of practice through new pharmacy services, from palliative care to upskilling our workforce in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and mental health care.

“These projects equip pharmacists with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the evolving healthcare landscape and make meaningful impact in their communities. Each project serves as a vital resource, contributing to the ongoing growth and adaptability of the pharmacy profession.Projects are fundamental to allow innovative ideas to be trialled, validated and improved, and importantly generate the evidence that is needed to enable widescale implementation and translation into everyday policy and practice.
“I’d like to thank all the stakeholders and partners who worked with PSA over the past 12 months, and all the pharmacists who have engaged with training or put their hand up to be part of a practice trial.

The success of these programs and the positive impact on patient care is only possible with your support,” Associate Professor Sim concluded.

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“Hospital pharmacy has never stood still, and neither can we.”

“How we represent current and prospective members, and how we explain the current
and future impact of hospital pharmacy, is key to strengthening our advocacy,
delivering against our mission and expanding opportunities for our profession.

“Through our new branding we signal where hospital pharmacy is going, rather than
reflecting what it has been. A driving force of hospital-informed change that is
increasingly delivered in diverse care settings.

“This is what AdPha members continue to do so well: work, innovate and deliver safer
and more effective care to Australians, at their most unwell, in and around our
hospitals.”

Mr Simpson says beyond numbers, it is the energy of members and measures of
engagement that defines the organisation.

“We are as strong as the projects and platforms that bring us together.

“The 2024 Honour Roll is our largest since its introduction in 2018, totaling almost 400
members who have contributed through state and territory Branch Committees, Specialty Practice Leadership Committees, and groups steering key AdPha programs, projects and events across advocacy, education, workforce development, as well as the Medicines Management national conference.

“Looking ahead, specialisation in our profession will continue, exemplified by our
Specialty Practice program, which now features four specialty groups with
membership of more than 1,000.

“A new blueprint will be born next week when we release the fully revised and updated
Clinical Pharmacy Standards, before gathering for Medicines Management 2024
(MM2024) in Adelaide.

“And we look to the future under a broader and more inclusive banner that embraces
the reality that our collaborative impact extends to pharmacy peers and
interdisciplinary colleagues.”

“The Board thanks every member – at all levels of participation – for a monumental
year, and there is so much more to come.”

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The Agreement recognises PSA’s role as the peak body for all pharmacists across all areas of practice, and further articulates a shared goal between our beloved profession and the Commonwealth government on empowering pharmacists’ role in primary care.

With a renewed focus on medicines safety, PSA continued to elevate professional standards, publishing reimagined Professional Practice Standards and the 26th edition of the Australian Pharmaceutical Formulary, APF26. These initiatives, combined with targeted training and practice guidance, have equipped pharmacists across Australia with the tools to meet the rising demands of their expanded roles.

Throughout the year, PSA advocated vigorously for state and federal reforms to extend pharmacists’ scope of practice. Achievements include launching new pilot programs in community pharmacy, such as the Queensland Scope of Practice Pilot and various initiatives to enable pharmacists to manage conditions like urinary tract infections, provide vaccinations, and support chronic disease management.

Much of the work on Pharmacists in 2030 was undertaken in the 2023-24 financial year, including a series of targeted consultations with members, health sector stakeholders, and consumers. The result was a forward-thinking vision launched at PSA24 by Minister for Health and Aged Care, the Hon. Mark Butler MP in August.

Reflecting on the year, PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim said she feels enormously proud of what the profession has achieved, with PSA supporting it along the way.

“Through a turbulent year, our focus has remained firmly on giving our members the professional resources, practice support and education they need to not only survive, but thrive in an expanding profession,” Associate Professor Sim said.

“I encourage all pharmacists to become PSA members – the more pharmacists who are members, the more PSA can do to support the profession with high level advocacy, but also at the grassroots level with professional development, education and practice support.

“As we look to the year ahead, there is more work to do. I am excited for the future of the profession and realising the benefits of the foundations laid over the past 12 months.”

PSA CEO Adjunct Associate Professor Steve Morris said he remains optimistic about the role PSA plays in the pharmacy sector.

“PSA’s success over this year reflects our commitment to advocating for and supporting pharmacists at every stage of their careers,” Morris said.

“PSA has achieved strong growth in key metrics, including total membership and increased revenue driven through our projects and partnerships despite a challenging economic environment.

“I am proud to lead the organisation through this period of stabilisation, maturation and growth. I would like to take this opportunity to recognise the collective contribution of the whole PSA team around the country during 2023/24 financial year for their work in supporting PSA members. I also wish to thank Fei, the National Board, branch committee members and others who have contributed to the considerable output of PSA.”

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The October state-based forums round out TWC’s annual education program and are integral to TWC’s mission to empower its pharmacy professionals with the latest clinical knowledge and practical skills, supporting optimal patient care and enhancing customer experiences.

Masterclass Forum this October centred around integrating biopsychosocial care and shared management plans into daily pharmacy practice, with clinical updates focusing on areas such sleep health and insomnia management, sun safety, and biosimilars. The forum also introduced new digital tools to support streamlined efficiency and best practice clinical governance. Pharmacists participated in hands-on workshops and patient scenarios to maximise health outcomes, ensuring they stay at the forefront of expert clinical care.

At Academy Forum, Pharmacy Assistants delved into vital topics including hydration, new menstrual care therapies, oral health and hygiene, migraine management, allergic rhinitis support, natural therapies for pain relief, and skincare. The education program focused on enhancing product knowledge and their ability to support customers with diverse healthcare needs, further solidifying their role as vital members of the healthcare workforce.

“We are proud to provide both Pharmacists and Pharmacy Assistants with the educational tools they need to continue delivering exceptional healthcare services. This month’s Masterclass and Academy Forums are testament to our belief that continuous learning is the key to ensuring our teams remain experts in their fields,” said Nick Munroe, Executive General Manager of TerryWhite Chemmart.

“By focusing on practical applications and in-depth clinical knowledge, we’re ensuring that our teams can provide the best possible care for our patients.”

Clint Holland, Country Manager for Sandoz, expressed his support for the initiative and the partnership between Sandoz and TWC. “Our long-standing partnership with TerryWhite Chemmart is built on a shared commitment to patient health outcomes and the ongoing education of Pharmacists. Programs like Masterclass Forum are crucial in ensuring Pharmacists have the latest clinical knowledge and are equipped to navigate the challenges of modern pharmacy practice.”

Academy Forum also received strong backing from supplier partners, with Sharon Groombridge National Training Manager from Care Pharmaceuticals highlighting the importance of education for Pharmacy Assistants. “Pharmacy Assistants are an essential part of the healthcare workforce, often serving as the first point of contact for customers. Continuous education is critical to ensuring they are equipped with the knowledge and confidence to provide customers with the right advice and products.”

“Both forums would not have been possible without the ongoing support of TWC’s valued supplier partners. TerryWhite Chemmart acknowledges the contributions of these partners in pushing the teams to be better through learning, which ultimately drives positive health outcomes for patients across Australia,” said Munroe.

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Beginning more than 40 years ago as a single store in Highpoint, Victoria, Priceline has over the decades become one of the largest health and beauty retailers in the country, boasting more than 470 outlets across Australia. In 2002, the first Priceline Pharmacy opened in Pakenham Victoria and in 2008 a major rebrand was undertaken with all livery and stores featuring an iconic pink look and feel.

This refresh takes those iconic elements of the current brand – the pink colour and the iconography – and modernises both elements: a new pink logo features a stylised ‘hearts forming a cross’, with the green cross synonymous with pharmacy as a community health hub.

Wesfarmers Health’s Head of Retail Marketing, Corrina Brazel said, “This rejuvenation of the brand reflects our position as a leading health and beauty retailer with new and exclusive products and exceptional Pharmacist-led services.”

“Nobody else in the market offers the combination of health expertise and beauty experience – at an affordable price point – that Priceline Pharmacy does,” Corrina said.

“We’re known for our network of 1400 pharmacists and we also have Beauty Advisors in every store who are highly trained and skilled, so that customers are given a high level of service,” she said.

The brand refresh comes after Priceline Pharmacy announced the launch of new product brands including Bubble, Innisfree, and Yours Only.

The new brand will feature in all marketing assets from October 30, with full store conversions beginning in early 2025.

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