March 2018
In this months edition:
- PSNZ comments on the proposed Integrated Pharmacist Services in the Community Agreement
- Supply of pharmaceutical and medical books
- Practice updates
- College Education and Training - new and upcoming courses courses
- Life long Learning in Pharmacy 2018
- Pharmacy Today Pharmacy Awards
- PSNZ Regional Symposia
- PSNZ Membership Renewals
- Thanks to survey participants
PSNZ comments on the proposed Integrated Pharmacist Services in the Community Agreement (IPSCA)
The District Health Boards of New Zealand are conducting a consultation on a proposal to offer a new evergreen contract for community pharmacy services as part of the implementation of the Pharmacy Action Plan. The Pharmaceutical Society of New Zealand fully supports the implementation of the Pharmacy Action Plan but has reservations about the proposed Integrated Pharmacist Services in the Community Agreement (IPSCA).
“ IPSCA has the potential to create innovative roles for pharmacists in the future working both inside and outside traditional pharmacy service models to improve the health of New Zealanders. The proposal may also align pharmacists more closely with other healthcare providers, both in primary and in secondary care” says Pharmaceutical Society President Graeme Smith.
However the Society believes there are flaws in the proposed Agreement. “There is no certainty for community pharmacists beyond the first few months of the new contract” says Mr Smith. “Much of the proposal is aspirational and at a high level of structure. It lacks the key detail of service provision and funding that would provide the pharmacy sector with confidence. The New Zealand health system needs a sustainable community pharmacy network as well as new models of care. We are not sure the Agreement, as presented, will deliver this. There are some other aspects including the split between dispensing and advice that cause us concern.”
The Society suggests there is a way forward. “We accept the need for change and understand that DHBs have pressure on their budgets” say Mr Smith. “We would like to see a reset in negotiations to allow new models to be developed, impact analyses to be done and an implementation plan agreed. The best way to do this is to roll over the existing contract to enable agreement to be reached and good plans made as soon as possible. As the professional body responsible for workforce development, PSNZ are keen to assist in the process of co-designing new services” says Mr Smith. “With a total review of Primary Care about to take place it appears prudent to take the time now to get it right.”
Mr Smith believes the majority of the pharmacy sector are keen to see progress. “Pharmacists want to make a greater contribution to the health system utilising our skills and knowledge as the medicines experts to improve the lives of our patients”.
The Society is urging all pharmacists to gather information and respond to the IPSCA consultation survey before the 10 April deadline. Select the link below to access further information and the consultatiopn survey.
Consultation Information and survey link
Supply of Pharmaceutical and Medical Books
We are pleased to announce a new partnership between the Society and Medical Books. Medical Books is a New Zealand company specialising in medical books and has been in business for over 35 years.
The Society has been responsible for the distribution of books to members but we feel time has come to pass this over to a specialist in pharmacy books. Because of their expertise we have selected Medical Books.
Colin Greenwood Managing Director of Medical books has given an undertaking to provide members with excellent on going service that includes prompt delivery and affordable pricing.
A copy of their current price list for required reference resources is available through their website at Medical Books
Practice updates
Submission to the Justice Select Committee - End of Life Choice Bill
The Practice team have recently completed a submission to the Justice Select Committee on the End of Life Choice Bill.
A copy of the Society’s submission can be viewed at the following link: End of Life Choice Bill submission.
Submission to the Health Select Committee - Submission on the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Bill
The Practice Team have recently completed a submission to the Health Select Committee on the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Bill.
A copy of the Society’s submission can be viewed at the following link: Medicinal Cannabis Amendment Bill submission.
Position Statement: The Therapeutic use of Cannabis-based products.
The Practice Team have recently completed a position statement on the Therapeutic use of Cannabis-based products.
This Society’s position statement can be found at the following link: Cannabis-based products position statement.
Opportunity to participate in Auckland University research: Pharmacists working in General Practice
Robert Haua is conducting research that aims to take a snapshot of the current landscape of pharmacists who are integrated into general practice. He is wanting to find out where and how pharmacists are currently working in this area.
If you are a pharmacist who is integrated or co-located with a general practice in some way, Robert would like you to consider taking part in this research, which involves completion of a short online questionnaire.
To access the questionnaire and information sheet, please click on the link below.
There is a consent process that occurs prior to beginning the questionnaire.
The research team think this work is important to help facilitate the changing role of the pharmacist and would appreciate the help of all pharmacists working in this area in delivering key outcomes that may also influence future pharmacy practice across New Zealand.
(Approved by the University of Auckland Human Participants Ethics Committee on 28 th November 2017, for three years. Reference Number 020302).
New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) in Health: Opportunities for Pharmacists
NZSL is an official language of NZ. Could you greet a Deaf patient appropriately in your pharmacy or ward? Are you familiar with the funded NZSL interpreting services for healthcare available in a community or hospital pharmacy setting? Not sure where to start? Registrations are open now for fully funded 45-minute NZSL taster classes in May 2018. Get together a group of pharmacists, or your local healthcare team and register in groups of up to 20 by going to www.nzslweek.org.nz and learn some basic signs.
College Education and Training - new and upcoming courses
New courses & programmes
Drug Addiction Programme
Join this 9 week programme to learn about the misuse and dependence of substances in NZ and internationally, the diagnostic features of addiction and the overlap between mental health and addiction. Also learn about the OTC medication, illicit substances and patterns of prescription drug misuse and dependence, options for referral and treatment.
Webinars
11th April - Perinatal Anxiety and Depression
Perinatal Depression is common – as many as 25% of women suffer from it during or after a pregnancy. As a pharmacist, it’s important that you can identify perinatal anxiety and depression, know when and where to refer, and understand treatment options. Find out more by joining this live webinar.
8th May - Pacific Culture and Health
Learn about the patterns of ill-health within Pacific Communities, the importance of family and religion, the challenges in accessing medicines and the NZ health system and identify tools for improving interactions with our Pacific communities.
Registration opening soon.
Workbooks
Pre-order now for May delivery
Heart Health Workbook Pre-order now
Improving Dispensing Accuracy and Self Checking Pre-order now
Complimentary course
Adalimumab (Humira) in general practice and Pharmacy
Enrol in this free course to learn about the use of adalimumab, its effect on disease progression, management and supportive care of patients on adalimumab.
Life Long Learning in Pharmacy 2018
The 12th International Life Long Learning in Pharmacy Conference is coming to Brisbane, Australia, from the 6th to the 9th of July 2018! The Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) is delighted to host this extraordinary pharmacy education event, being held for the first time in Australia.
Develop your knowledge and skills in the field of pharmacy education through a variety of educational programs, hear from world renowned leaders presenting internationally significant research and development and network with colleagues from around the globe. With over 100 contributed papers, workshops and posters, and a remarkable list of keynote speakers including Zubin Austin (Canada), Catriona Bradley (Ireland), Gabrielle Brand, Gloria Dall’Alba and Debra Rowett (Australia), this is a must-attend pharmacy event.
The online registration portal is now open with early bird prices, which close on 30 April 2018. We’re already receiving an overwhelming response from our delegates indicating a very successful event for all stakeholders involved. You can find everything you need know at http://www.lllpharm2018.com/.
See you at LLLP2018!
Pharmacy Today Pharmacy Awards
Pharmacy Today third Pharmacy Awards video is up on Facebook and PharmacyToday.co.nz.
Rhys Mathewson, a HILARIOUS comedian, writer for The Project and host for the 2018 Pharmacy Awards tells us how winning awards changed his career and provides plenty of ammunition in arguments.
If you would like any more information about the awards, please visit www.pharmacyawards.co.nz.
PSNZ Regional Symposia
Registrations are now open for the upcoming Pharmaceutical Society Symposia Series 2018.
| City | Date | Venue |
| Wellington | Sunday 20 May 2018 | James Cook Hotel |
| Auckland | Sunday 10 June 2018 | Waipuna Hotel and Conference Centre |
| Christchurch | Sunday 24 June 2018 (includes Society AGM) | Rydges Latimer Hotel |
This year our clinical topics include: Men's Health - Urology (Prostate, Cancer and Erectile Dysfunction); The Challenges of Professional Ethics; and Women's Health - Fertility, Contraception and Menopause. We have arranged for a session from the Ministry of Health on Immunisation, Pharmacy Role in Emergency Preparedness and Pandemics, along with our popular session from the Society Practice team on the latest regulations, practice issues and guidance. See attached for a full draft programme.
For the low price of $115.00 including GST, this years Symposia offers a great learning opportunity at a great price plus the opportunity to network with your colleagues and sponsors.
Registration for each symposia is available via the PSNZ website events calendar
PSNZ Membership Renewals
Thanks to all members who have renewed their membership for 2018.
For those who have yet to renew this is a final reminder that your Pharmaceutical Society Membership fee invoice for 2018 is now due for payment.
Any fees not paid by 31 March 2018 will result in your membership being cancelled and access to the following services being removed:
- ENHANCE Professional Development Programme;
- Practice advice;
- Online Reference Databases;
- Discounted College Education and Training Course fees;
- Regular Newsletters and updates.
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This year, 2018 is an important year for pharmacists and membership of your Society will provide knowledge and information for future opportunities. We look forward to your continued membership as we work together to guide the profession into the future.
Community Pharmacy Survey - Thanks to participants
Victoria and Otago University researchers would like to thank all those who participated in their recent survey about developments in community pharmacy and other primary health care settings.
The prize draw has now been held and winners notified.