PSS Executive Officer, Kay Dunkley, was able to join the golfers for dinner in the club house and talk about the work of PSS, the benefits of peer support and what a difference the donation will make to enable PSS programs to continue and expand. On hearing of the successful outcome of the Charity Day, Curtis Ruhnau, PSS President, said “PSS values the support of VCGC, over several years, through their annual Charity Days. Their fundraising efforts are a further example of peer support, with members of the pharmacy profession providing funds which are used to support callers to PSS who need a listening ear from a pharmacy colleague, on what may be the worst day of their life.” Curtis also noted that although he is not a golfer, he can see how beneficial the VCGC is in bringing colleagues from pharmacy together for exercise and social connection in a pleasant outdoor environment. He said “All pharmacists need to include a relaxing and enjoyable activity such as golf in their lives to enhance wellbeing.”

The Pharmacists’ Support Service (PSS) is available to provide a listening ear from 8am to 11pm AEDT every day of the year. Call 1300 244 910 for anonymous and confidential support from a pharmacist colleague over the phone.
More information about PSS and some useful resources for pharmacists can be found on the PSS website at www.supportforpharmacists.org.au.
PSS relies on the generosity of the profession to continue its work. Donations to PSS can be made via the online portal which is linked to our website. Just click on the Donate Now button (www.givenow.com.au/pharmacistssupportservice). All donations over $2 are tax deductible and a receipt will be issued.

The Pharmacists’ Support Service is governed by representatives from the following organisations
 Australian Friendly Societies Pharmacies Association
 Australian Pharmacy Council
 Pharmaceutical Defence Ltd
 Pharmacy Guild of Australia
 Pharmaceutical Society of Australia
 Pharmaceutical Society of Victoria Ltd
 Professional Pharmacists Australia
 Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia
 National Australian Pharmacy Students’ Association.

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SHPA President Tom Simpson FANZCAP (Lead&Mgmt) says the agreement acknowledges an intrinsic link between pharmacy recognition and professional wellbeing.

“Recognition of our unique skills and the care we can provide is important as pharmacists, and plays a key role in our satisfaction and wellbeing as health professionals.

“Through ANZCAP, we are proud to support the incredible work Curtis, Kay and the team at PSS do to support pharmacists across all practice settings through the stressors and challenges of delivering care every day.”

PSS President Curtis Ruhnau thanked SHPA and ANZCAP for the ongoing partnership.

“SHPA and PSS are like-minded organisations, equally committed to fostering a workforce that feels valued.

“Where we enhance the workforce through focus on professional wellbeing, SHPA fosters career pathways and promotes recognition through programs including the new College.

“It’s fundamentally about pharmacists understanding and supporting their fellow pharmacists.

“It has never been more important to have widespread organisational support for our frontline workers – who are facing increasing demands to meet the evolving needs of Australians in need – and I thank Tom and his team for years of partnership, and look forward to many more.”

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“During this time we would like to reassure you that the pharmacy profession is strong and will pull together to get through this, as we have done throughout my many years in pharmacy,” says PSS President, John Coppock

“While current uncertainty may create anxiety about the future, in time we will have clarity and be able to adjust to changes as they happen. It’s important to look after ourselves and each other during challenging times.”

PSS encourages any pharmacist, pharmacy intern or student or international graduate who is concerned or struggling to reach out for support.

PSS is available to provide a listening ear and support over the phone with a pharmacist who understands.

PSS is available from 8am to 11pm AEST every day of the year.

Call 1300 244 910 for anonymous and confidential support from a pharmacist colleague over the phone.

More information about PSS and some useful resources for pharmacists can be found on the PSS website at supportforpharmacists.org.au.

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The student’s association raised $2594 during the NAPSA Congress in January. The check was presented to Pharmacist Support Service’s Executive Officer, Kay Dunkley, at the congress Gala Dinner.

The Pharmacist Support Service (PSS) offers peer support to pharmacists in Australia. The service is free and is run for pharmacists by pharmacists.

John Coppock, PSS President, says, “this support from NAPSA is very much appreciated.  The initiative, energy and enthusiasm of the students to support PSS so early in their career is inspiring.”

“We intend to use these funds to increase our outreach activities to students to ensure that they know that PSS is available to support them at all stages of their careers.  We plan to engage with as many students as possible across Australia.”

“We also really value having a NAPSA representative on our Board to bring forward the viewpoint of these future pharmacists.  I can see that pharmacy will be in good hands into the future as NAPSA members will be the future leaders of pharmacy.”

Flynn Swift, NAPSA President, noted, “as students prepare to enter the pharmacy profession, it is reassuring to know that the PSS is there to support us.  As soon-to-be pharmacists, it is important to be proactive and look after our own mental health and well-being within our day-to-day practice. We are very pleased to be able to support PSS through this donation and by taking the PSS message back to our fellow students at each of our universities.”

The Pharmacists’ Support Service (PSS) is available to provide a listening ear from 8 am to 11 pm AEDT every day of the year.  Call 1300 244 910 for anonymous and confidential support from a pharmacist colleague over the phone.

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This study is being conducted in conjunction with Pharmacists’ Support Services (PSS) and is an incredibly relevant area of study consider how little research is done regarding coping mechanisms in pharmacy practice, and with the emergence of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The study involves a confidential, voluntary survey, which reportedly takes 5-10 minutes to complete and will reportedly greatly benefit pharmacists in identifying and understanding what management tools are available to them and how helpful such tools are.

The team of students hope the results of this this study will help pharmacists who are struggling to manage stress and what resources are available for them to turn to, during difficult times.

Those wishing to voluntarily take part in the confidential survey can do so at any time – the survey will reportedly be available for approximately two weeks.

At any time, those who wish to withdraw from the survey can do so by simply closing the window – responses will not be saved if the survey is not completed.

To complete the survey, visit: rmit.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0pSBNOUZMH5NGTQ

In case of stress or any anxiety in taking this survey, participants are encouraged to call Pharmacists’ Support Services on 1300 244 910 between 8.00am and 11.00pm (EST), available every day of the year. Or please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit: lifeline.org.au/Get-Help/.

This study has reportedly been reviewed and approved by the Human Ethics Committee, project number 24747.

If you have any feedback, questions, or concerns about the survey please contact Project Supervisor Wejdan Shahin at wejdan.shahin@rmit.edu.au

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“With rising Covid-19 case numbers, lockdowns in several states and territories and pharmacists on the frontline providing vaccination services it is essential that as a profession, we all take time to support each other” says President of the PPS, John Coppock.

He notes that it does not take much effort to be kind, to express appreciation and to support each other, which will enhance teamwork in any workplace. He also notes the importance of self-care at all times but especially during periods of increased stress.

“All those working in pharmacy need to have adequate rest breaks and to eat and stay hydrated during working hours to ensure they can work efficiently and effectively.  Pharmacy staff who are exhausted and hungry will not perform at their best and may even place the public at risk if a concentration lapse results in an error” he says.

Calls to PSS have increased to over 460 in the last 12 months, up by 16% compared to the previous year.  The reasons for this may include increased stress levels during Covid-19 but there is also a growing awareness that it is important to seek help when facing a challenging situation, feeling under pressure or struggling with mental health issues.

“Reaching out for support is a much better option than trying to go it alone and perhaps making a poor decision which can have negative consequences,” says Mr Coppock.

“PSS represents all the major pharmacy membership organisations when it comes to the health and wellbeing of pharmacists, and we are pharmacists supporting pharmacists.  We encourage you all to ask for help if you need it and to support each other.”

“As pharmacists we are all in this together and it is important that we look after ourselves and we look after each other so that we are able to look after the Australian community during this pandemic.  If you need support, PSS is available as close as your phone.”

PSS provide anonymous and confidential support over the phone every day of the year between 8.00am and 11.00pm AEST by phoning 1300 244 910.

For more information about PSS and to access information and resources visit: supportforpharmacists.org.au.

The post Time to look after your ‘pharmily’ appeared first on Retail Pharmacy.

However, frontline health provision can bring about heightened levels of pressure for pharmacy staff.

To help address this, the Pharmacy Guild of Australia’s Pharmacy Business & Career Network Podcast channel has produced a special podcast called Creating Mentally Healthy Pharmacies.

Featuring Christine Morgan, CEO of the National Mental Health Commission and National Suicide Prevention Adviser to Prime Minister Scott Morrison, the podcast examines why it is vitally important that community pharmacies establish and sustain a mentally healthy workplace and ways in which pharmacists can manage their own mental health and support the mental health and wellbeing of colleagues.

There also are some important resources available to help build and maintain a mentally healthy workplace.

The National Mental Health Commission Mentally Healthy Workplace guides have been created by experts to provide practical tips and advice on helping employers and employees look out for the signs that someone may need support and assist them to find help when they need it.

The guides can be found at mentalhealthcommission.gov.au.

The Pharmacist Support Service (PSS) provides a listening ear over the telephone to pharmacists and pharmacy interns and students.

In supporting pharmacists, PSS aims to benefit the public by ensuring that pharmacists maintain their health and wellbeing and so are able to provide an appropriate level of service to all Australian communities.

More details can be found on the PSS website at supportforpharmacists.org.au.

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The MOU also reportedly includes an agreement to collaborate to promote the well-being of the pharmacy profession, which is vital as we continue to battle through the Covid-19 pandemic.

John Coppock, PSS President, says that this renewed relationship will ensure that the needs of the NAPSA members will be met “appropriately both now as students and into the future when they are registered pharmacists”.

Outgoing NAPSA President Ethan Kreutzer adds that it’s “reassuring to know that the PSS is available for support” for pharmacy students as they “prepare to enter the pharmacy profession”.

“As soon-to-be pharmacists, it is important to look after our own mental health and wellbeing within our day-to-day practice and to manage stress,” says Mr Kreutzer.

“NAPSA supports PSS in their hard work and dedication to support the individuals who make up our profession.

“We are very pleased to be able to continue our work with the PSS to enhance well-being in all members of the pharmacy profession.”

The PSS is available to provide a listening ear from 8am to 11pm AEST every day of the year.  Call 1300 244 910 for anonymous and confidential support from a pharmacist colleague over the phone.

More information about PSS and some useful resources for pharmacists can be found on the PSS website at supportforpharmacists.org.au.

The PSS is guided by representatives from the following organisations:

• Australian Friendly Societies Pharmacies Association;
• Australian Pharmacy Council;
• National Australian Pharmacy Students’ Association;
• Pharmaceutical Defence Ltd;
• Pharmacy Guild of Australia;
• Pharmaceutical Society of Australia;
• Pharmaceutical Society of Victoria Ltd;
• Professional Pharmacists Australia;
• Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia.

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The violent incident, which occurred last Thursday ay Chemist Discount Centre, in which a window between a consultation room and a dispensary was angrily smashed by a disgruntled patient, has sparked calls to the general public to respect the right of pharmacy staff to safety and courtesy.

Pharmacy owner at Chemist Discount Centre, Moe, Rania Hanoun describes the incident in an email to colleagues:

“It’s been an overwhelming week. Patient smashed glass window and verbally abused us, but we received so much support from the community.

“Last Thursday a patient smashed glass window between the consulting room and the dispensary as I was talking to him.

“As he punched the glass the first time, I knew he was not going to stop at that, I took few steps backward away from the window, he kept going at it until he smashed the whole window and the metal frame.

“It was frightening as customers ran to one side of the shop while others ran to check on their children in their cars as he walked out.

“Thankfully no one was hurt. But we were overwhelmed by the support and care of the community.

“I received phone calls to check in on us and one of the customers who was in the pharmacy at the time brought me lovely flowers to put a smile on my face.

“Thank you to my staff who won’t let this event dampen their spirits and are always there for our customers. Thank you to our community who value and respect us.”

Ms Hanoun’s business partner, and CEO of the Advantage Pharmacy Group, Steven Kastrinakis, says: “Staff and customers were quite rattled by what happened. You can see them in the security video moving out of the way after the perpetrator smashed the glass in the counselling room.

“Frontline health workers should not be subjected to this aggravated violence. Moe Police were called and made an arrest. The police were surprised nobody was injured by shards of glass that were sprayed into the dispensary.”

The National President of the Pharmacy Guild, George Tambassis, says he was very disturbed to hear this latest report of aggressive and violent behaviour.

“The overwhelming majority of Australians respect and trust their local pharmacy staff, which makes it all the more unacceptable when somebody behaves so poorly,” says Mr Tambassis.

“I say again: Pharmacists and pharmacy staff should not be expected to endure aggression and threatening abuse from a tiny minority of Australians who are engaging in this behaviour. The safety and wellbeing of our staff and other patients is paramount.”

The President of the Guild’s Victorian Branch, Anthony Tassone, also deplored the incident, reminding pharmacy staff to contact PSS if they want to speak to someone after a workplace incident on 1300 244 910.

The post Fresh calls to community to respect pharmacies following incident appeared first on Retail Pharmacy.

“We are pleased to see the money redirected to benefit pharmacists in another way,” Symbion’s CEO, Brett Barons, said.

“We have supported the work of PSS previously and are delighted to do so again.  Symbion understands what our customers have been through over the last few months and this is a small way we can provide support to those going through difficult times presently,” he said.

The idea came about after Tasmanian Chemist Golf Club (TCGC), who were due to host the event, wanted to see the industry sponsorship which supports the Carnival go to a worthy cause which benefits the broader pharmacy profession who are currently facing significant stress due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We were keen to turn around the need to cancel our Carnival into something positive and so approached Symbion to discuss redirecting the sponsorship money to support the work of PSS instead.  We believe that this is a good outcome for the profession,” Greg Kay from TCGC, said.

“While it is disappointing for the golfers to have to cancel their Carnival, this donation will, through the work of PSS, benefit pharmacists and pharmacy staff who are on the frontline during COVID-19 working in very difficult circumstances.  On behalf of the Australian pharmacy community I offer my sincere thanks to TCGC and Symbion”. PSS President, John Coppock, said.

The Carnival is an annual event which involves golfers from all the State based Chemist Golf Clubs coming together for a week of competition.

“Golf is an excellent way for pharmacists to relax as it combines exercise and the outdoors.  All pharmacists need to have an interest outside pharmacy for their mental health and wellbeing,” Mr Coppock said.

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