Assistant Minister Stoker will join more than 150 community pharmacists and pharmacy industry representatives at Victoria Park Ballroom on Wednesday 5 March to address this year’s campaign theme #AccelerateAction.

Chris Owen, President of The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Queensland, expressed his pride in hosting this significant event.

“As an industry made up of 70% women, International Women’s Day holds great
importance to The Guild and to the community pharmacy industry as a whole,” says Mr Owen.

“This event provides an opportunity for meaningful conversations and celebrating the
women in our community.

“This will be the fourth year The Queensland Guild has hosted this important event, and we look forward to hearing from our guest speaker, Assistant Minister Stoker.”

With experience across business, law, and government, Assistant Minister Stoker’s presentation will offer key insights on how to Accelerate Action.

Celebrating International Women’s Day and recognising women in the pharmacy industry, attendees can enjoy Assistant Minister Stoker’s insights, a delicious hot breakfast, networking, and a chance to win fabulous lucky door prizes.

Tickets are limited and are selling quickly. For further details and to book, click here.

Text by: The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Queensland.

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According to a statement released by the Guild, the current approach is not only making if harder for pharmacists to do their jobs but is also failing patients, with supply issues impacting vital medicines for diabetes, menopause and mental health.

‘Current approach too short-term and reactive’

Adding comment, the National President of the Guild, Trent Twomey says the current approach to the medicine shortage is too short-term and reactive.

“It doesn’t address the root cause of shortages, and patients continue to suffer,” he says.

“Information sharing and greater awareness of existing and forecasted supply disruptions is crucial to making sure Australian patients have the medicine they need.”

Since the disbanding of the Medicine Shortage Working Party in 2021, the Guild has consistently urged the government to reinstate the forum, which was formed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This forum included representatives from all levels of the supply chain and provided for information sharing and
greater awareness of existing and forecasted shortages.

Unlike the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) Medicine Shortage Action Groups, formed in response to critical shortages, the former Medicine Shortage Working Party facilitated broader discussions around general policies and mitigation strategies for anticipated or localised shortages.

Need to focus on the big picture

“The TGA’s reactive approach means that not all industry stakeholders are represented, leading to inconsistent information being shared across the supply chain,” says Mr Twomey.

“The Government can, and should, focus on the big picture – to reduce the impact being felt by vulnerable Australians who need these essential medicines.”

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“This unlocks the nation-wide harmonisation of community pharmacy’s ability to treat women suffering from common everyday conditions, safely and easily”, Pharmacy Guild of Australia National President Trent Twomey said.

“Women are busy mothers, carers, bosses who need timely easy-to-access access relief to get on with their day and prevent long-term health complications and discomfort.”
Professor Twomey said increased access to UTI treatment was part of a larger evolution of women’s health services in community pharmacies across Australia.

“In many states and territories, including the NT, women are already benefiting from community pharmacies resupply of the oral contraceptive and in some states the initiation of the hormonal contraceptive,” Professor Twomey said.

“In some states community pharmacists can provide treatment for a range of common everyday conditions, including those most affecting children such as asthma, earache and school sores. Expanding this can only be good news for patients.”

There are more than 6000 community pharmacies across Australia that have the opportunity to provide additional services and prescriptions for everyday health conditions.
“The widening of the services provided in community pharmacy is meeting the expectation of the modern patient and is relieving the pressure on other parts of the health system.

“We know 82 per cent of Australians trust their pharmacist to provide health advice for common, non-complex conditions.

“Community Pharmacy has extended opening hours and convenient locations in cities across regional and remote Australia. Empowering pharmacists to play a larger role in the treatment of everyday health conditions will allow GPs and emergency departments to focus on Australian patients with complex health conditions.

“Community pharmacists are highly skilled health professionals and we’re ready, willing and able to deliver more for our patients,” Professor Twomey said.

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The event was officially opened by New South Wales Minister for Health, the Hon Ryan Park, who shared his inspiring thoughts on how working together today can positively influence the future of pharmacy in Australia before announcing that work is underway to expand pharmacists’ scope of practice in New South Wales.

Pharmacy Connect Convenor Kos Sclavos AM said the events this year were a resounding success, and feedback from the events and sessions had been very positive.

“Both Pharmacy Connect and the Pharmacy Assistant National Conference were very well-received this year,” said Mr. Sclavos.
“Attendees came from every corner of our industry, from owners and pharmacists to pharmacy assistants, students, and industry reps — all came together to network, share insights, and shape the future of pharmacy.
“I’d like to take the opportunity to thank all of the sponsors, attendees, and exhibitors for making these events such a success; we simply could not hold the events without your efforts,” Mr. Sclavos said.

Mr. Sclavos said he received great feedback from attendees about this year’s sessions.
“The overwhelming feedback regarding the various sessions is the degree to which organisers have been able to cater to such a wide array of audiences,” said Mr. Sclavos.

“From the incredible session on personal finance by one of Australia’s most recognised financial journalists and commentators, Effie Zahos, to Olympian Peter Bol’s inspiring story, to the presentation by Professor Twomey and Associate Professor John Smithson (Head of Pharmacy for James Cook University) regarding the opportunities surrounding the new integrated five-year Doctor of Pharmacy, attendees were spoilt for choice,” said Mr Sclavos.

“Not surprisingly, I’ve also heard amazing feedback about the social aspects as well, with everyone having a blast at the Cocktail Party and joining in on the celebration with the announcement of thisyear’s The Pharmacy Guild of Australia/Maxigesic National Pharmacy Assistant of the Year (PATY) Award national winner and runner up.

“Congratulations again to this year’s winner, Maddison Waide, from Lucy Walker Pharmacy in Goondiwindi, Queensland, and the runner-up, Amy Clayson, from Terry White Chemmart
Normanville, SA.”

Mr. Sclavos also said that next year’s conferences will take place on 3-5 September and will return to the Hyatt Regency Sydney. More information will be available soon.

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The PATY Award is the premier award for pharmacy assistants across Australia. It recognises outstanding pharmacy assistants’ skills, knowledge, leadership, and customer service. Among a close cohort of competitive candidates, the state winners were exceptional.

Congratulations to all state and national winners.

 State Winners

• Australian Capital Territory: Danielle Peel, Cooleman Court Pharmacy, Weston.
• Northern Territory: Karisa Lunn, Blooms the Chemist Bakewell.
• New South Wales: Aidan Kassi, Amcal Pharmacy Kings Cross Centre, Sydney.
• Queensland: Maddison Waide, Lucy Walker Pharmacy, Goondiwindi.
• South Australia: Amy Clayson, Terry White Chemmart Normanville.
• Tasmania: Seetha Naidoo, Terry White Chemmart Legana.
• Victoria: Rebecca Frost, Gunn and McConville Medication Management, Balwyn North.
• Western Australia: Demi Morton, Pharmacy 777 Tambrey, Nickol.

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“It’s now clear that lowering the maximum Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) copayment is the best way to make medicines cheaper and support Australians challenged by the cost of living to meet their healthcare needs,” Pharmacy Guild of Australia President Professor Trent Twomey said.

“The numbers prove, in black and white, the positive impact lowering the maximum PBS copayment has on the lives of all Australians, not just a select few.
“The lowering of the maximum co-payment from $42.50 to $30 has saved patients a total of $346 million on medicines, as opposed to the $30 million from 60-day dispensing.

“On behalf of patients and community pharmacists, along with our partners, the Australian Patients Association, Chronic Pain Australia and Food for Change, the Guild campaigned to secure the Government’s historic lowering of the copayment, the first in the 75-year history of the PBS,” Professor Twomey said.

Together with the freezing of the concessional patient co-payments for five years until 1 January 2029, negotiated as part of the Eighth Community Pharmacy Agreement, community pharmacy continues to deliver cheaper medicines for all Australians.

“Community pharmacists are delighted the benefits of these landmark changes are now being realised in the everyday lives of Australians.

“We know, when putting together the weekly budget, some patients continue to go without medicines – so there is more work to be done. The recent 6th Australian Healthcare Index (AHI) survey and report, by Healthengine and the Australian Patients Association, revealed 28 percent of respondents were skipping buying needed medicine due to cost of living pressures.
“The Australian Bureau of Statistics also reports a rise in the people who delayed or went without prescription medication due to cost, from 5.6 per cent in 2021-22 to 7.6 per cent in 2022-23.

“In a country as fortunate as ours, patients should never feel they need to sacrifice their lifesaving medication in preference of other living costs,” Professor Twomey said.

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Legislation passed in the Senate today will see expanded access to nicotine-containing vapes, putting a new generation of young people in harm’s way.
The Pharmacy Guild of Australia (the Guild) strongly opposed the amendments, which make vapes available for purchase over the counter in community pharmacies. The amendments were also opposed by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, TerryWhite Chemmart, Priceline, National Pharmacies, Blooms and Pharmacy 777 pharmacy groups alongside thousands of independent pharmacies.
Amendments proposed by the Greens in a deal struck with the Government will see nicotine-containing vapes move from Prescription only (Schedule 4) to Pharmacist only (Schedule 3) as early as October this year.
National Vice President of the Guild Anthony Tassone said the amendments compromise community health and do not take into consideration the safety or efficacy of vapes as a smoking cessation device.
“Pharmacists are healthcare professionals and community pharmacies do not want to supply this potentially harmful, highly addictive product without a prescription.
“Thanks to this secret, Greens-led deal, community pharmacies across Australia are being asked to supply nicotine-containing vapes without a prescription,” Mr Tassone said.
Vaping products have not been approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and no nicotine-containing vape is listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods.
“Pharmacists can only supply a schedule 3 medicine if there is an established therapeutic need. When we don’t know the long-term effects of vapes on patient safety, how can a pharmacist make an informed decision?
“We are deeply disappointed that public policy has been developed in a vacuum without consultation prior to these amendments being passed,” Mr Tassone said.
Significant questions remain about the impact the amendments will have on pharmacy insurance premiums, business risks and regulatory compliance. It is also unclear how this change will address concerns around availability of black-market vapes and organised crime.
No guidance or protocol exists for pharmacies to stock unregulated substances with no established therapeutic benefit.
Changes to the Therapeutic Goods and Other Legislation Amendment (Vaping Reforms) Bill 2024 will come into effect as early as October this year.

From The Pharmacy Guild Of Australia

Given the Coalition will not oppose the Therapeutic Goods and Other Legislation Amendment (Vaping Reforms) Bill 2024, the proposed amendments to make nicotine-containing vapes available to teenagers without a prescription are no longer required.
The Guild urges the Government to bring forward a vote on the original Bill, which has already passed the House of Representatives, and to dump their Green’s led amendments which open up greater access to nicotine containing vapes.
The original Bill now has the necessary political and stakeholder support to pass the Senate.
The TerryWhite Chemmart, Priceline, National Pharmacies, Blooms and Pharmacy 777 pharmacy groups alongside thousands of independent pharmacies have already expressed their opposition to nicotine-containing vapes being available without a prescription.
The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia and the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, representing 33,000 pharmacists and 6000 community pharmacies, are both opposed to the Greens’ amendments.
By contrast, the original bill to restrict nicotine-containing vapes as Schedule 4 (Prescription Only) had the support of 63 patient, healthcare and school groups including the Australian Medical Association, the Cancer Council, Lung Foundation Australia, the Public Health Association of Australia, and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. It was also supported by 14 of Australia’s pre-eminent public health individuals.
Nicotine containing vapes are not listed as a therapeutic product, this week or after a dirty Senate deal.
If the Parliament engages in genuine consultation a sensible outcome is always possible, as evidenced by the necessary support now available to pass the Therapeutic Goods and Other Legislation Amendment (Vaping Reforms) Bill 2024 in its original form.

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Ms Seeto said over ten thousand occasions of service had been offered since April 2023. “In just over one year, there have been 10,148 occasions of service across Queensland,” said Ms Seeto.

“This represents thousands of Queensland women who have been able to access UTI treatment in their local community pharmacy rather than having to wait for GP appointments or having to access treatment through hospital presentations.
“As anyone who has ever been treated for a UTI knows, time is of the essence, and delayed treatment can potentially lead to more serious conditions.”
Ms Seeto said hundreds of community pharmacies across the state are involved in offering UTI services.
“There are currently almost 800 community pharmacies offering UTI services in Queensland,” said Ms Seeto,
“this means this service is highly accessible to most Queenslanders.
“97 per cent of people who live in metropolitan areas live within 2.5 kilometres of their nearest community pharmacy, and 83 per cent of regional Australians live within five kilometres of their nearest pharmacy,” Ms Seeto said.

The ability of community pharmacies in Queensland comes off the back of a successful UTI pilot, which ran between June 2020 and July 2022 and saw over 10,000 women aged 18-65 receive UTI treatment.

“An independent review deemed the UTI Pilot a success, so much so that this service was made permanent in Queensland and rolled out in other states around Australia.” Ms Seeto said.

Ms Seeto also said two other statewide Pilots were underway. The first is the Community Pharmacy Scope of Practice Pilot which allows community pharmacists to treat 17 everyday conditions and five chronic health conditions, including school sores, shingles, mild psoriasis, wound management, swimmer’s ear, travel health, and hypertension.
“Community pharmacists in North Queensland are already rolling out services and offering more choices to patients,”said Ms Seeto.

“Pharmacists throughout the rest of Queensland will soon be commencing 12 months of training to participate in this Pilot as well.”

The second Pilot is the Community Pharmacy Hormonal Contraception Pilot, which was announced earlier this year and will allow participating community pharmacists to prescribe hormonal birth control to women 16 years and older.

“First occasions of service for the Community Pharmacy Hormonal Contraception Pilot are expected to begin in late July,” shared Ms Seeto.

“This is another Australia-first Pilot that will give women access to the convenient and timely health care they deserve.”

To locate the nearest community pharmacy offering UTI services, patients are encouraged to visit www.findapharmacy.com.au

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Like pharmacists, nurses are highlighting their profession working to its full scope of practice as a way of meeting the growing health needs of patients and the demands of an ageing population.

Pharmacy Guild National President Professor Trent Twomey says nurses have a greater role to play in servicing the community and patients.

“Unfortunately, there is enough illness in Australia to keep all health professionals busy, but we need to work smarter not just harder to meet the needs of our patients.”

“The ACN submission points out benefits to patients, consumers, the health workforce and taxpayers of nurses working to their full scope of practice,” Professor Twomey said.

“The Guild agrees with Australia’s nurses. Like pharmacists, nurses and other allied health professionals have the skills, knowledge and training to treat and diagnose more everyday health conditions.

“The Cormack Review is a rare opportunity to redesign the healthcare system so that all health professionals are working together in the interests of patients and the community.

“Pharmacists and nurses working to our full scope and expertise as part of the healthcare team will improve patient access and relieve pressure on our overstretched health system, especially emergency departments and general practice.” Professor Twomey said.

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The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Queensland Branch congratulates the Queensland Government for extending the free influenza vaccination program to 2024 for all Queenslanders aged 6 months and over. The Guild’s Queensland Branch President, Chris Owen welcomes the Palaszczuk Government’s continued commitment of the free influenza vaccination program and this early announcement will go a long way in increasing the uptake of vaccinations.

“At a time of suboptimal influenza vaccination rates, the 2024 free program will allow all Queenslanders to access this important vaccination at a community pharmacy in the lead up to, and throughout the flu season.

“We would like to thank the Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Shannon Fentiman for her commitment to the program and making this initiative free ensuring there are no cost-of-living barriers for Queenslanders in putting their health first.

“This early commitment means community pharmacists will continue to be prepared to meet the demand of Queenslanders taking up the free service ahead of and during the 2024 flu season.

“Community pharmacists will be given ample time to plan and secure the necessary vaccine stock to meet the anticipated demand.

“The advance notice will also enable Queensland families to plan ahead and visit their local community pharmacy to receive the free vaccine and help reduce the spread of the virus, protecting friends and family most at risk.

“We look forward to continuing our relationship with Minister Fentiman on this program to ensure a seamless and effective implementation, providing access to free influenza vaccinations for all Queenslanders,” says Mr Owen.

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