Delegates immersed themselves in the future of pharmacy, exploring a rapidly evolving landscape shaped by changing customer and patient expectations, innovative store design, and an expanding scope of practice, with the brand reaffirming its commitment to empowering its network with cutting-edge solutions to drive efficiency, growth, and patient care.

Key announcements set to redefine the pharmacy experience for both businesses and customers included –
– major enhancements to the myTWC health app, and the eCommerce experience,
– a refreshed store design optimised for full scope,
– the rollout of electronic shelf labels,
– and the implementation of a new clinical governance platform

Executive General Manager Nick Munroe remarked, “The past three days have been incredibly productive and inspiring. It has been a year full of change, and we remain steadfast in our direction. TerryWhite Chemmart continues to drive excellence across retail, dispensary, and the continued expansion of pharmacist’s scope and delivering health services to our communities. This conference has further reinforced our dedication to this mission.”

The culmination of significant efforts from the past year was celebrated at the HEART Awards Gala dinner, which recognised excellence across the TerryWhite Chemmart community. Awards were presented to outstanding pharmacies from each state, acknowledging their commitment to delivering exceptional service and care to their communities.

The TerryWhite Chemmart National Pharmacy of the Year was awarded to TerryWhite Chemmart Noraville in NSW. Pharmacy owners Lachlan Walters and Robert King commented that joining TerryWhite Chemmart showed them what a health focused community pharmacy brand could deliver for their community.

Mr Walters added, “The support from TerryWhite Chemmart over these past 18 months has been truly incredible. They’ve been there every step of the way as we’ve brought a more sophisticated retail offer and health services to the community of Noraville.”

In addition to recognising pharmacies across the network and supplier partners, individual team members and pharmacy owners were recognised across several categories, including the prestigious Rhonda White Leadership Award.

Karen Brown, this year’s award recipient, reflected on the impact of being a pharmacist and the privilege of leading her team.

“Being a pharmacist is incredibly rewarding because every day brings something new. You never know what challenges or opportunities will come through the door, but by the time you leave, you know you’ve made a difference in someone’s life. That’s a privilege not many professions offer,” she said.

“I’m also incredibly grateful for my team—leadership isn’t about me, but about supporting them in the way they need, which can change from moment to moment. At the heart of it all, we have a responsibility to be there for our community, and I’m so proud to stand alongside my team in that role.”

As the TerryWhite Chemmart IMPACT Conference in Melbourne comes to an end, the Pharmacy Network is committed to solidifying their role as leaders in care, adopting cutting-edge digital technology, providing patient-centric care, and promoting best practices to shape a better future for Australian pharmacy.

The winners of the TerryWhite Chemmart HEART Awards are:

• Rhonda White Leadership Award
o Karen Brown, Arana Hills (QLD)

• National Winner – Pharmacy of the Year
o TerryWhite Chemmart Noraville (NSW)

• Pharmacy of the Year – State Award Winners
o QLD – TerryWhite Chemmart Manly
o NSW – TerryWhite Chemmart Noraville
o VIC – TerryWhite Chemmart Drouin
o ACT – TerryWhite Chemmart Ainslie Compounding
o TAS – TerryWhite Chemmart Sorell
o SA – TerryWhite Chemmart Playford
o WA – TerryWhite Chemmart Eaton

• Retail Leadership Award
o Lucy Ramm, Bunbury Plaza (WA)

• Pharmacy Engagement Award
o TerryWhite Chemmart Seacliff Park (SA)

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It is estimated that, by the age of 40, more than 97% of Australians carry the inactive virus (varicella zoster virus) that causes shingles from a previous chickenpox infection.^1-3

Research commissioned by GSK Australia* reveals over a quarter (26 per cent) of Australians aged 50-79 do not recall previously having chickenpox and are at risk of developing shingles without being aware of this risk.4 It also showed that almost a quarter (24 pesr cent) of Australians don’t believe or understand that they can develop shingles if they’ve had chickenpox.⁴

The risk of developing shingles increases with age.⁵ As the immune system naturally weakens, and this can allow the usually inactive virus that causes shingles to reactivate.⁶ If Australians have a weakened immune system due to illness, treatments or medications, you may also be at increased risk.^1,2,5

Shingles Awareness Week aims to increase understanding of the impact of shingles and address common misconceptions surrounding shingles. Journalist Shelly Horton and AFL-legend Robert ‘Dipper’ DiPierdomenico join news presenter Deborah Knight as Shingles Awareness Week ambassadors, having experienced first-hand the pain and impact of shingles.

“I experienced shingles during a very stressful time of my life. A huge spread of tiny blisters appeared on my right inner thigh, which left me in excruciating pain, and I felt completely debilitated,” shared Shelly Horton, who is an advocate for talking about taboo health topics.

“Since my experience, many people close to me have been affected by this condition. My mum had shingles, which caused a rash across her torso. It was so painful she couldn’t even drive or sit on the couch to watch TV. She almost went to hospital because she thought it was kidney stones.

“I now know that shingles is common in people 50 and over. One of mum’s friends got shingles in her eye, which could have affected her sight. My father-in-law also had shingles at my wedding in Mexico, with a rash across his back,” recalled Ms Horton. “He was in a lot of pain and afraid of the rash being aggravated, especially during our dance. While everyone else continued celebrating, he became bed bound in the hotel room.”

Recognised as one of Hawthorn Football Club’s most prominent players, Robert ‘Dipper’ DiPierdomenico, has also experienced the painful and debilitating impact of shingles, and has cared for his partner during her shingles diagnosis.

“Compared to the pain of many of my sporting injuries, shingles was relentless. It put me out of action for nine days,” said Dipper. “I had a large, itchy, red rash suddenly appear on the left side of my body. It was so uncomfortable, I slept on a mattress in the lounge room with the air conditioning running to try and find some relief. It was horrible to experience personally, and I know some of my loved ones, like my partner and my mum, have also experienced the pain and discomfort of shingles.”

Monika Boogs, Chief Executive Officer, Painaustralia, says that the pain of shingles is often described by people as some the worst they have ever experienced.

“Shingles is often more than just a rash. The pain from shingles can disrupt sleep, mood, work and daily activities and impact quality of life. For some people, it can cause long-term issues with eyesight or chronic nerve pain leading to long-term discomfort,” said Ms Boogs.

Leading expert, Professor Tony Cunningham, Director of the Centre for Virus Research (WIMR) and Vaccine Theme Leader at Sydney Infectious Diseases Institute (SydneyID), The University of Sydney, suggests that Australians aged 50 and over should not underestimate their shingles risk even if they don’t recall having had chickenpox.

  “If you’ve had chickenpox, the virus can remain dormant in your body. Almost all Australians have had chickenpox, even if they don’t remember having it or were asymptomatic, and so are at risk of shingles as they carry the inactive virus. As you get older, there is a decline in your immune system that can leave you susceptible to the reactivation of this virus, which causes shingles,” said Professor Cunningham.

“Shingles Awareness Week is an important reminder to understand the symptoms and your risk, especially if you are aged 50 and over. Speak to your doctor to understand your risk of shingles and encourage loved ones who are older to do the same.”

To help reduce the impact on people’s lives and the disruption to everyday activities that shingles can cause, Australians aged 50 years and over should learn more about the signs, symptoms and risk factors for shingles. For more information about shingles, speak to a healthcare professional and visit knowshingles.com.au

On behalf of GSK Australia, Ipsos Healthcare conducted an online survey among 600 Australian-based consumer participants (aged 50-79 years old from the general population) who chose to take part in the survey between 17 July and 1 August 2024. Participants were all screened to match national proportions based on region, gender and working situation. Majority of respondents had one or more comorbidities, while one in three did not. The sample is not nationally representative, only indicative.

References

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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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CVD is a leading cause of death and disease burden in Australia, affecting more than 4.2 million Australians and accounting for more than 27% of all deaths annually. The Heart Health Collective is committed to addressing this alarming issue by bringing together their expertise, innovation, and community reach to provide support and resources to those at risk of CVD, ultimately working toward better heart health outcomes for Australians.

Each partner brings unique strengths to the Collective:
• Advara HeartCare is committed to improving Australia’s heart health with an unmatched network of cardiologists and world-class cardiovascular services.
• Novartis Australia, a global pharmaceutical innovator, positions itself as the partner of choice in cardiovascular care, bringing extensive experience and knowledge in developing heart health solutions.
• TerryWhite Chemmart, with its extensive community pharmacy network, provides accessible, pharmacist-led healthcare services that play a vital role in prevention, education, and ongoing care for millions of Australians.

The Heart Health Collective creates a powerful platform to tackle Australia’s cardiovascular disease crisis. The partnership embodies the belief that better heart health outcomes can only be achieved when care, expertise, and innovation come together to work for every Australian.

Through collaborative initiatives, the Collective aims to empower Australians with the knowledge, resources, and treatments they need to take control of their health.

Dr. David O’Donnell, CEO, Advara HeartCare says,
“Improving heart health is at the core of what we do at Advara HeartCare. This collective with TerryWhite Chemmart and Novartis represents an unprecedented opportunity to impact cardiovascular outcomes in Australia.”

Matt Zeller, Country President, Novartis Australia and New Zealand adds,
“Novartis is committed to supporting patients and their families on their journey to better heart health. With our extensive experience in cardiovascular disease (CVD), we are committed to working with a wide variety of partners and stakeholders to bring needed change in tackling CVD in Australia. The Heart Health Collective is a unique and innovative approach to partnering across the patient journey and ecosystem, with a special focus on meeting patients in their local communities. We hope to create new solutions, encourage experimentation, and pioneer novel models of care that will ultimately result in better health outcomes for Australians.”

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Professor Matthew Kiernan – Chief Executive Officer and Institute Director at Neuroscience Research Australia (NEURA) and Scientia Professor of Neuroscience at the University of NSW – has won the prestigious 2024 GSK Award for Research Excellence for his work in neurodegenerative disease, particularly in motor neurone disease (MND) and frontotemporal dementia.

As an internationally renowned neuroscientist, Professor Kiernan is known for introducing techniques that allow scientists to study how nerve cells communicate with one another. His discoveries have elevated global understanding of the mechanisms of neurodegenerative disease, which has helped scientists to identify new therapeutic targets.

Accepting the accolade, Professor Kiernan says he is hopeful that conditions like dementia will be manageable within the next two decades, with clinical trials of new innovative therapies now underway across the globe thanks to his research.

Professor Kiernan commented: “It’s an honour to be named the 2024 recipient of the GSK Award for Research Excellence and have our work recognised in this way.

“It’s an exciting time to be working within the field of neuroscience. For a long time, one of the key challenges facing neurologists was understanding how neurodegeneration begins in the brain. Our research has provided key information about the critical functional changes that occur prior to the onset of a neurodegenerative disease.

“We are now able to delineate between the normal function of the brain and the key mechanisms of disease. This new perspective is paving the way for innovative therapies and treatment options for conditions like MND and frontotemporal dementia,” Professor Kiernan said.

Dr Bec Sheean, Director of Research and Programs at FightMND, said Professor Kiernan’s research has been critical to understanding more about MND – a condition that affects the nerves in the body controlling movement and eventually leading to complete paralysis. Approximately two Australians are diagnosed with the condition daily and there are currently limited registered treatment options.² The average life expectancy is 27 months from diagnosis.³

Dr Sheean commented: “Professor Kiernan is one of Australia’s leading MND neurologists and his research is not only helping to advance our understanding of this terrible disease, but also providing hope and opportunities for Australian patients to participate in clinical trials. On behalf of Neale Daniher and all the team at FightMND, we congratulate Professor Kiernan on receiving this prestigious award and know his work is making a difference for all people who are impacted by this condition. Research is the best way we can fight back against this disease and Professor Kiernan is championing efforts, paving the way for new and effective treatment options.”

Already, Professor Kiernan’s work has helped define a diagnostic criteria for neurodegenerative diseases and established consensus guidelines that have now been adopted by the World Federation of Neurology.

Professor Kiernan says he will use the $100,000 AUD grant accompanying the GSK Award for Research Excellence to establish a clinical fellowship to underpin the development of a national clinical trials program. This will improve patient access to new trials and enable more robust assessment of clinical data.

Professor Kiernan added: “Further developing our national clinical trials program is a major priority for our team. This grant provides an important opportunity to establish a clinical fellowship focused on translational research and precision medicine approaches for all patients across Australia.”

The 2024 GSK Award for Research Excellence will be presented to Professor Kiernan at Research Australia’s Health and Medical Research Awards 2024 in Melbourne. Dr Alan Paul, Executive Country Medical Director at GSK Australia, said GSK is proud to continue supporting Australian research.

Dr Paul commented: “We are delighted to welcome Professor Kiernan to the distinguished list of the GSK Award for Research Excellence alumni members. His outstanding work deserves recognition – he really is paving the way when it comes to neurodegeneration research. We are thrilled to support Matthew and his team, as they continue their endeavor to improve health outcomes for patients locally and globally.”

UNSW Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Attila Brungs congratulated Prof. Kiernan on his prestigious award.

Professor Attila Brungs commented: “Matthew’s research has had a significant impact on our understanding of motor neurone disease and dementia and will undoubtedly help Australians impacted by these diseases in many years to come.

“We’re proud of Matthew’s outstanding contribution to medical research and the recognition he has received is incredibly well deserved for a lifetime of dedication. Research into these devastating brain diseases is crucial to discovering new treatments and improving the quality of life for those affected.”

UNSW Dean of Medicine & Health Professor Cheryl Jones said: “We congratulate Matthew on this prestigious award. It reflects his international leadership in neurodegenerative diseases including clinical trials of innovative therapies positions. The benefits of his work will resonate for years to come.”

The GSK Award for Research Excellence is one of the most prestigious and longstanding independent awards open to the Australian medical research community. Established in 1980, the award has since provided more than $3 million* to local researchers since its inception.

Previous recipients of the GSK Award for Research Excellence include some of Australia’s most noted medical researchers, including Professor Georgia Chenevix-Trench (2022), Professor Jamie Cooper AO and Professor Rinaldo Bellomo AO (2021) and Professor Mark Febbraio (2020). The 2023 GSK Award for Research Excellence was awarded to Professor David Komander – Head of the Ubiquitin Signaling Division at WEHI – in recognition of his work in elevating global understanding of the ubiquitin system.

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Building upon their existing relationship, which has seen CH2 benefit from the PharmX Gateway—the leading EDI solution supporting orders for 99% of Australian pharmacies—the expanded alliance now includes the full suite of PharmX solutions. CH2 is broadening its product offering on PharmX’s Marketplace, adding over 10,000 products from
500 brands to meet pharmacies’ diverse and growing needs.

PharmX will also support CH2’s growth strategy through bespoke analytics services and predictive demand analytics. PharmX CEO, Tom Culver, said “We’re excited to strengthen our relationship with CH2 by offering our extended service portfolio that brings even greater value to our partners—not only for CH2 but also for our pharmacy customerExpanding CH2’s product range across our Marketplace strengthens our service offering and provides more accurate information on pricing and stock, which we know are highly valued by our pharmacy customers. We’re also seeing significant value in our data solutions. With our combined Gateway, Marketplace, and Analytics offerings, we are
thrilled to support CH2 in strengthening customer engagement while reinforcing our position as Australia’s largest pharmacy network provider.”

“Partnering with PharmX in this expanded capacity represents a significant milestone for CH2 as we continue to grow our reach amongst for Australian pharmacies,” said CH2 CEO, David Collins. “By leveraging PharmX’s full service offering, this partnership not only strengthens our engagement with existing customers but also allows us to connect
with new pharmacies across Australia, reinforcing CH2’s commitment to providing comprehensive, innovative solutions for the healthcare community.”
This strengthened relationship highlights PharmX and CH2’s shared vision for growth and innovation, aiming to enhance operations for pharmacies, ultimately driving long-term success across Australia’s healthcare landscape.

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RSV remains a leading cause of childhood hospitalisation, with around 12,000 infants admitted to hospitals with severe RSV every winter. Maternal immunisation significantly reduces the risk of severe RSV disease in children in their first six months.

As a vaccine listed on the NIP, funding of the administration of the vaccine by community pharmacists will be covered under the NIP Vaccination in Pharmacy (NIPVIP) Program in participating community pharmacies.

However, due to an outdated regulatory approach, many states will need to amend their regulations to permit pharmacists to immunise this cohort against RSV.

National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS welcomed the addition of RSV vaccines to the NIP, urging governments to update regulations now to permit pharmacist immunisers to administer as soon as vaccines are available.

“PSA welcomes the inclusion of Abrysvo on the NIP as an important protection against hospitalisation or death of infants from severe RSV infection and also congratulate Minister Butler and the federal government for their leadership in limiting preventable disease in children,” Associate Professor Sim said.

“Now that the vaccine has been added to the NIP, we must ensure that pregnant people are able to access it, no matter where they live.

“We need to move to an approach where all immunisers, including pharmacists, can initiate and administer all vaccines, as recommended by the Unleashing the Potential of the Health Workforce Scope of Practice Review.

“I urge all states and territories to expand immunisation authorities to allow Australians to access all vaccines they are recommended from their local pharmacist, including Abrysvo,” Associate Professor Sim concluded.

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“Vaccines play an important role in keeping patients safe and the Abrysvo vaccine in particular, is critical to protecting babies from being hospitalised from RSV,” Pharmacy Guild of Australia National President, Professor Trent Twomey said.

“Today’s decision to expand the free access of Abrysvo to pregnant women ahead of Winter 2025 is a major step – and truly world leading.”

The vaccine will be available through the National Immunisation Program Vaccination in Pharmacy (NIPVIP) Program at community pharmacies for free. Previously the vaccine cost patients about $300.

“The initiative means all expectant mothers and their babies can be protected from RSV, not just those who can afford it.”

Professor Twomey said community pharmacies in almost all states and territories were already providing RSV vaccinations to Australians. Pregnant women are also eligible for the whooping cough and influenza vaccines for free.

“Open early and late, community pharmacy is the most convenient and affordable to get vaccinated. Pharmacists offer RSV, whooping cough, influenza and shingles vaccines, as well as vaccines needed for overseas travel. To book go to findapharmacy.com.au

“I commend Minister Butler and Prime Minister Albanese on this announcement. The Guild looks forward to continuing to work with the Government to ensure primary healthcare services, such as vaccine administration, are as accessible as possible for all Australians.”

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As Australia marks National Recycling Week, Ego Pharmaceuticals is enhancing its ongoing efforts toward environmental sustainability by further reducing packaging waste. In line with the event’s aim to promote recycling and resource recovery, Ego is making significant strides by transitioning the packaging of its iconic QV tube products to recyclable materials. This initiative reflects Ego’s commitment to reducing landfill waste and contributing to a more sustainable future.

In a move that aims to save around 18 tonnes of packaging waste from landfill every year¹, all QV tube products are now being transitioned from laminate to LDPE packaging. Laminate packaging cannot be recycled in Australia due to the recycling facilities not being able to process the components of the laminate, whereas LDPE can easily be recycled by customers in their kerbside recycle bins.

This change signifies the company’s unwavering commitment to sustainability, and reflects Ego’s determination to implement changes that positively impact the environment.

The transition is already underway, with a mix of QV tube products for the Australian, Asian and Middle Eastern markets having already been switched to the new packaging. The rest of the applicable products are set to follow over the next 12 months, dependant on production timing.

“This project has been two years in the making, and has involved extensive production and stability trials for key products,” said Ego’s Packaging Projects & Studio Manager, Simone Thomassen.

“This meticulous approach ensures that the transition to LDPE packaging maintains the high standards of product quality that consumers expect from the QV brand.”

Ego collaborated with Impact International on this project, an Australian company known for its commitment to environmentally responsible manufacturing of plastic tubes. Their sustainable practices include a privately-owned solar farm, a no heavy metals policy, extensive recycling efforts, and their own sustainable forest that can offset the raw materials used to manufacture their tubes.

This project brings Ego a step closer to achieving their goal of having 100% of their packaging for cosmetic products being reusable or recyclable, and therefore meeting our APCO and ANZPAC targets.

In today’s landscape of heightened corporate responsibility, Ego is increasingly prioritising sustainability – a commitment that helps ensure the longevity of their products while also contributing to the protection of the environment for future generations.

You can find out more about Ego’s commitment to sustainability on their website: https://www.egopharm.com/au/en/corporate-social-responsibility

¹Based on 2023 figures

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