Pharmacy Guild of Australia Archives | AJP

Let us ‘finish the job’: Guild leader

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Mon, 20 May 2024 05:15:21 +0000

With negotiations for the 8CPA ongoing one Guild state branch leader says “it is vital” that those currently involved in the process are backed in the organisation’s ongoing election Pharmacy ...

The post Let us ‘finish the job’: Guild leader appeared first on AJP.

Dollar discount decision ‘weak-kneed’

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Fri, 17 May 2024 06:45:07 +0000

Government accused of caving to the demands of the Guild with Federal Budget measure Changes to the dollar discount announced in Tuesday’s Federal Budget are being viewed as the government giving ...

The post Dollar discount decision ‘weak-kneed’ appeared first on AJP.

‘Real close’ to 8CPA deal: Guild

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Thu, 16 May 2024 03:30:33 +0000

Guild leaders confident they are close to securing a deal for the 8CPA Following Tuesday night’s Federal Budget pharmacy owners are being urged to get ready for an announcement on ...

The post ‘Real close’ to 8CPA deal: Guild appeared first on AJP.

Strategic alliance urges MPs to pass vaping reforms

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Wed, 08 May 2024 05:30:11 +0000

Pharmacy and medical organisations are allying with the federal government in war on vaping Health professional bodies are calling on all federal politicians to back legislation banning the sale, supply, ...

The post Strategic alliance urges MPs to pass vaping reforms appeared first on AJP.

8CPA on track: Guild

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Tue, 07 May 2024 04:15:43 +0000

Guild expects 8CPA to be ready to come into effect from 1 July Pharmacy owners are being advised that negotiations for the Eighth Community Pharmacy Agreement (8CPA) are continuing as ...

The post 8CPA on track: Guild appeared first on AJP.

Pharmacy students being left behind

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Mon, 06 May 2024 05:45:21 +0000

Government urged to extend paid placement support to pharmacy students Pharmacy students should not be excluded from payments for mandatory placements announced by the federal government, the profession’s leaders believe. ...

The post Pharmacy students being left behind appeared first on AJP.

Actions speak louder than words

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 19:45:28 +0000

Pharmacy owners need to see a “fair” Eighth Community Pharmacy Agreement signed before they will feel confident in future viability of the sector While industry leaders are continuing to negotiate ...

The post Actions speak louder than words appeared first on AJP.

Escape the city for better pay

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Thu, 18 Apr 2024 06:45:17 +0000

Pharmacists looking to boost their income and skillsets should consider opportunities in regional and rural areas, Guild workplace place director says Data from the Pharmacy Guild of Australia’s 2023 remuneration survey shows ...

The post Escape the city for better pay appeared first on AJP.

CAPS rep lands seat on Guild committee

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Tue, 16 Apr 2024 04:45:19 +0000

Advocacy group representative to join Guild NSW branch committee At least one Community and Pharmacy Support Group (CAPS) representative will be on the next Pharmacy Guild of Australia’s NSW branch committee CAPS ...

The post CAPS rep lands seat on Guild committee appeared first on AJP.

CAPS leaders to contest Guild elections

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Mon, 08 Apr 2024 09:00:58 +0000

Guild stalwarts to face CAPS challenge in NSW branch elections Representatives of the Community and Pharmacy Support Group (CAPS) will contest five of the 12 seats on the Pharmacy Guild ...

The post CAPS leaders to contest Guild elections appeared first on AJP.

PBS drops signature requirement

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Wed, 03 Apr 2024 04:45:15 +0000

Government confirms removal of patient signature requirement to acknowledge receipt of a pharmaceutical benefit Amendments to the National Health (Pharmaceutical Benefits) Regulations 2017 announced today (3 April) remove the requirement ...

The post PBS drops signature requirement appeared first on AJP.

Poll: Has the Guild’s deal with the government restored confidence?

AJP Staff — Mon, 25 Mar 2024 05:32:06 +0000

Following the announcement of a heads of agreement for the Eighth Community Pharmacy Agreement (8CPA) – we want to know if you are feeling more confident about the future of ...

The post Poll: Has the Guild’s deal with the government restored confidence? appeared first on AJP.

What are you doing to Close the Gap?

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Thu, 21 Mar 2024 04:45:55 +0000

Guild calls out injustice in healthcare access gap between First Nations people and non-Indigenous Australians. Community pharmacists across the country are being urged to reflect on their role in improving ...

The post What are you doing to Close the Gap? appeared first on AJP.

IR reforms to hurt pharmacy: Dutton

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Fri, 15 Mar 2024 22:23:12 +0000

Pharmacy owners are being urged to join the coalition in opposing Labor’s next waves of industrial relations (IR) reforms Labor’s IR reform agenda will come at a cost for small ...

The post IR reforms to hurt pharmacy: Dutton appeared first on AJP.

Devil will be in the detail for 8CPA

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Fri, 15 Mar 2024 02:30:40 +0000

Guild leader will not sign an Eighth Community Pharmacy Agreement (8CPA) that does not meet the organisation’s objectives Negotiations for the 8CPA between the Pharmacy Guild of Australia and the ...

The post Devil will be in the detail for 8CPA appeared first on AJP.

This didn’t need to happen: Ruston

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Thu, 14 Mar 2024 04:28:27 +0000

Guild negotiators lauded for securing a $3 billion funding boost through Eighth Community Pharmacy Agreement The announcement that a heads of agreement has been reached for the 8CPA has been ...

The post This didn’t need to happen: Ruston appeared first on AJP.

8CPA – no deal done… yet

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Fri, 01 Mar 2024 04:45:27 +0000

Negotiations for the Eighth Community Pharmacy Agreement (8CPA) are set to continue as the Guild and government inch closer to an acceptable deal Pharmacy owners are cautiously optimistic that the ...

The post 8CPA – no deal done… yet appeared first on AJP.

8CPA negotiations still happening: Butler

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Wed, 28 Feb 2024 09:25:25 +0000

Talks to secure an 8CPA are ongoing as the planning 1 March implementation date approaches Representatives from the Pharmacy Guild of Australia and the Government are continuing to negotiate the ...

The post 8CPA negotiations still happening: Butler appeared first on AJP.

‘We stood up to the Guild’ – Labor

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Tue, 27 Feb 2024 04:45:51 +0000

Labor senator “really proud” of the government’s decision to pursue 60-day dispensing The government will not bow to the power of lobbyists, as it seeks to ease cost-of-living pressures, Labor’s ...

The post ‘We stood up to the Guild’ – Labor appeared first on AJP.

Lawyers and accountants manipulating ownership rules

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Fri, 16 Feb 2024 07:30:34 +0000

Pharmacists are being forced to sign up to commercial deals that shift control over their pharmacies to third parties, Guild believes Proposed legislation before the Queensland state parliament must “restore ...

The post Lawyers and accountants manipulating ownership rules appeared first on AJP.

Pharmacy in limbo as 8CPA deadline looms

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Fri, 16 Feb 2024 01:30:33 +0000

CAPS not confident that the Guild and government will reach a fair deal before the next tranche of 60-day dispensing starts Pharmacy owners are being urged to write to Labor ...

The post Pharmacy in limbo as 8CPA deadline looms appeared first on AJP.

Guild pushes strategies to tackle workforce shortages

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Wed, 14 Feb 2024 07:30:42 +0000

Government urged to extend HELP to pharmacy graduates and lift cap on skilled migration to attract overseas candidates to fill workforce vacancies The Pharmacy Guild of Australia is calling on ...

The post Guild pushes strategies to tackle workforce shortages appeared first on AJP.

Progress being made but no 8CPA yet: Guild

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Wed, 14 Feb 2024 03:00:33 +0000

Guild aiming to resolve “remaining issues of contention” in “good faith” as 8CPA deadline looms Progress is being made to deliver the Eighth Community Pharmacy Agreement (8CPA), but more urgency ...

The post Progress being made but no 8CPA yet: Guild appeared first on AJP.

Talks continue as 8CPA deadline looms

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Fri, 09 Feb 2024 06:30:23 +0000

Guild still targeting 1 March start date for Eighth Community Pharmacy Agreement With less than three weeks before the second tranche of medications becomes available under 60-day dispensing, negotiations ...

The post Talks continue as 8CPA deadline looms appeared first on AJP.

Will the ACCC quash CWH/Sigma merger?

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Fri, 09 Feb 2024 05:30:31 +0000

Competition concerns could see regulator block Sigma’s planned merged with Chemist Warehouse, analyst warns The competition watchdog says Australia urgently needs stronger merger laws, as onlookers continue to build the ...

The post Will the ACCC quash CWH/Sigma merger? appeared first on AJP.

Guild largesse fails to sway Labor

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 05:30:09 +0000

Labor landed a $121,000 donation from the Guild just weeks before revealing plans to implement 60-day dispensing Data released by the Australian Electoral Commission yesterday (1 February) reveals the Australian ...

The post Guild largesse fails to sway Labor appeared first on AJP.

Business backs government administered paid parental leave

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Wed, 24 Jan 2024 03:30:32 +0000

Shifting the administration of the Commonwealth Parental Leave Pay scheme to the federal government would ease pressure on pharmacies, Guild says Business groups, including the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, are ...

The post Business backs government administered paid parental leave appeared first on AJP.

We will not panic: Guild

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Sun, 21 Jan 2024 04:58:50 +0000

Guild will not sign a deal that is not good for patients and pharmacists, Anthony Tassone pledges Time is of the essence if the government and Pharmacy Guild of Australia ...

The post We will not panic: Guild appeared first on AJP.

STI testing no longer taboo: Butler

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Mon, 15 Jan 2024 05:30:49 +0000

Government kicks off new ‘Beforeplay’ campaign to boost testing for sexually transmitted infections Australians are being urged to undergo regular testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in response to ...

The post STI testing no longer taboo: Butler appeared first on AJP.

Wholesalers working to deliver to flood-affected Victorians

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Thu, 11 Jan 2024 01:30:56 +0000

Pharmaceutical wholesalers are working with pharmacies in flood-hit parts of Victoria to get medicines to patients in need Members of the National Pharmaceutical Services Association (NPSA), which represents Community Service ...

The post Wholesalers working to deliver to flood-affected Victorians appeared first on AJP.

CAPS reignites campaign for 2024

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Tue, 02 Jan 2024 00:07:53 +0000

Pharmacists are set to protest outside Parliament House on the first sitting day of 2024 if the profession is not reassured that progress is being made to deliver the Eight Community ...

The post CAPS reignites campaign for 2024 appeared first on AJP.

Flood-affected Twomey calls for ‘8CPA now’

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Mon, 18 Dec 2023 03:30:18 +0000

Guild president urges government to sign a new Community Pharmacy Agreement “now”, if it wants to help the sector ensure patients are not worse off If the federal government wants ...

The post Flood-affected Twomey calls for ‘8CPA now’ appeared first on AJP.

Guild unconvinced of Sigma alignment

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Fri, 15 Dec 2023 02:45:25 +0000

Firm commitments to supporting the current pharmacy ownership rules and to ensuring equitable wholesale services will be required by Sigma, before it can claim to be aligned with the Pharmacy ...

The post Guild unconvinced of Sigma alignment appeared first on AJP.

Sigma, Guild ‘not unaligned in any way’: Ramsunder

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Thu, 14 Dec 2023 05:15:59 +0000

Wholesaler urges franchisees to give it “the benefit of the doubt” over Chemist Warehouse merger Amcal and Discount Drug Store (DDS) franchisees are being urged to stick with Sigma Healthcare ...

The post Sigma, Guild ‘not unaligned in any way’: Ramsunder appeared first on AJP.

Six of the best – Guild names PotY finalists

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Wed, 13 Dec 2023 00:45:00 +0000

New ‘Excellence in Harm Minimisation’ category added for the Pharmacy Guild of Australia’s 2024 Pharmacy of the Year Awards A trio of NSW-based pharmacies and stores from the ACT, South ...

The post Six of the best – Guild names PotY finalists appeared first on AJP.

Whale swallows minnow; the Sigma CWH reverse takeover

David Rowley — Fri, 08 Dec 2023 05:18:39 +0000

“Historic and creative” $8b deal machinations go back at least 18 months. How will it change pharmacy? When Sigma Healthcare’s shares suddenly went into a trading halt this past Wednesday ...

The post Whale swallows minnow; the Sigma CWH reverse takeover appeared first on AJP.

Ex netball chief scores Guild role

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Fri, 08 Dec 2023 04:16:36 +0000

Former Netball ACT chief executive, Matthew Battams, will take on the leadership of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia Queensland branch Battams, who has been working as the senior manager for ...

The post Ex netball chief scores Guild role appeared first on AJP.

Remove unnecessary barriers for skilled healthcare immigration

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Fri, 08 Dec 2023 03:45:08 +0000

Kruk Review calls for streamlining of requirements for internationally qualified health practitioners seeking to register in Australia, to address workforce shortages The Independent review of Australia’s regulatory settings relating to ...

The post Remove unnecessary barriers for skilled healthcare immigration appeared first on AJP.

Pharmacy Heroes – The heroes of pharmacy

Chris Brooker — Thu, 30 Nov 2023 18:15:03 +0000

Our readers have nominated their heroes, and we’ve chosen 10 who represent the range and scope, and reality of pharmacy in 2023 It’s been a very difficult, indeed, traumatic year ...

The post Pharmacy Heroes – The heroes of pharmacy appeared first on AJP.

Government will be held to 8CPA deadline

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 03:15:16 +0000

Pharmacy sector pledges to hold government to account if a new agreement is not in place by 1 March 2024 Banner groups and pharmacy brands are calling on the federal ...

The post Government will be held to 8CPA deadline appeared first on AJP.

Pharmacy the solution to GP shortage

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Mon, 20 Nov 2023 05:30:46 +0000

Expanding pharmacists’ scope of practice is the key to improving access to affordable healthcare in Australia, Guild leader claims Ongoing structural problems in Australia’s general practice sector can be alleviated ...

The post Pharmacy the solution to GP shortage appeared first on AJP.

South Australia green lights pharmacist prescribing

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Mon, 20 Nov 2023 03:27:00 +0000

South Australian government backs community pharmacists to ease pressure on public hospitals Pharmacists in South Australia will be able to diagnose and treat uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) from March ...

The post South Australia green lights pharmacist prescribing appeared first on AJP.

Clock is ticking on 8CPA talks

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Wed, 15 Nov 2023 04:30:00 +0000

Guild calls on minister to deliver “a little less conversation, little more action please”, as 8CPA deadline looms With the clock ticking to secure the Eighth Community Pharmacy Agreement (8CPA) ...

The post Clock is ticking on 8CPA talks appeared first on AJP.

Evidence shows benefits of 60-day dispensing: Butler

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Wed, 15 Nov 2023 03:30:52 +0000

Patients are “reaping the benefits” of the government’s 60-day dispensing policy, Health Minister claims Despite disagreements between pharmacists and the government, double dispensing is delivering savings for patients, while “maintaining ...

The post Evidence shows benefits of 60-day dispensing: Butler appeared first on AJP.

MedAdvisor scores Nth Qld scope of practice pilot contract

David Rowley — Tue, 14 Nov 2023 05:12:43 +0000

Enhancement of company’s software will support trial for pharmacists to diagnose and treat myriad health conditions Medication management platform MedAdvisor has been awarded the contract in support of the North ...

The post MedAdvisor scores Nth Qld scope of practice pilot contract appeared first on AJP.

Pharmacies invited to join palliative care program

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Mon, 13 Nov 2023 03:45:05 +0000

Deadline looms for pharmacies to file expressions of interest to join South Australia’s Better Access to Palliative Care Pharmacy Medicines Program Community pharmacies have until 2pm (ACDT) on Wednesday 15 ...

The post Pharmacies invited to join palliative care program appeared first on AJP.

Headhunter hired to fill Guild void

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Thu, 02 Nov 2023 23:30:15 +0000

Guild engages recruitment firm to land new Queensland branch director, following Gerard Benedet’s elevation to the national secretariat Brisbane-based recruiter Attuned Talent, leading the search for the Pharmacy Guild of ...

The post Headhunter hired to fill Guild void appeared first on AJP.

Guild backs move to boost flu vax uptake

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Thu, 02 Nov 2023 04:30:19 +0000

Queensland confirms free influenza shot program for 2024 winter Community pharmacists will continue to play a key role in providing access to free flu vaccines for Queenslanders aged six months ...

The post Guild backs move to boost flu vax uptake appeared first on AJP.

Eight weeks to secure 8CPA

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Mon, 23 Oct 2023 05:45:16 +0000

Pharmacy advocacy group pledges to continue its fight against 60-day dispensing until a favourable deal is reached The next eight weeks are set to be crucial for the future of ...

The post Eight weeks to secure 8CPA appeared first on AJP.

Now is not the time to be quiet

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Fri, 20 Oct 2023 05:05:48 +0000

Government must double dispensing fees to ensure the ongoing viability of community pharmacies, critics of 60-day dispensing claim Pharmacists are being urged to remain vocal in their opposition to the ...

The post Now is not the time to be quiet appeared first on AJP.

Guild issues cyber warning

AJP Staff — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 05:45:19 +0000

Pharmacy owners are being urged to be alert for cyber attacks as part of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia’s Cyber Security Awareness Month campaign Financial losses can be just the ...

The post Guild issues cyber warning appeared first on AJP.

Guild issues S8 scam warning

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Mon, 09 Oct 2023 04:30:28 +0000

Pharmacists put on alert as fake drug rep scam targets stores Community pharmacists are being urged to be alert for a scammer attempting to gain access to Schedule 8 medications. ...

The post Guild issues S8 scam warning appeared first on AJP.

Pharmacies to boost access to the pill

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Wed, 27 Sep 2023 05:45:49 +0000

Phase two of the NSW pharmacy prescribing trial is now underway, delivering improved access to the oral contraceptive pill Women aged 18 to 35 years who have had a prescription ...

The post Pharmacies to boost access to the pill appeared first on AJP.

Albanese leads World Pharmacists Day plaudits

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Mon, 25 Sep 2023 04:07:48 +0000

Australia’s political leaders laud the profession’s efforts to support communities across the country in a World Pharmacists Day video Politicians of all stripes are backing pharmacists to play a greater ...

The post Albanese leads World Pharmacists Day plaudits appeared first on AJP.

Seek succession opportunities

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Sun, 24 Sep 2023 05:00:40 +0000

Aspiring pharmacy owners are being urged to approach older proprietors about working their way into ownership, a Guild leader says More young women should be involved in pharmacy ownership, Judy ...

The post Seek succession opportunities appeared first on AJP.

New standards break barrier to pharmacist vaccination services

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 05:30:24 +0000

Chickenpox and meningitis B are among diseases pharmacists can immunise against under new vaccination standards launched in NSW. Barriers blocking patients from accessing vaccination services are being broken down with ...

The post New standards break barrier to pharmacist vaccination services appeared first on AJP.

Pharmacy used, then abused by Labor

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Thu, 07 Sep 2023 03:30:48 +0000

Pharmacy owner quits Labor Party over 60-day dispensing, saying he can no longer trust the organisation he has been a lifetime supporter of Labor has used the community pharmacy sector ...

The post Pharmacy used, then abused by Labor appeared first on AJP.

Work together for better wages

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Tue, 05 Sep 2023 05:30:50 +0000

Guild boss wants pharmacists’ wages to rise but stresses businesses need to have extra funds to cover higher pay Calls for increases to employee pharmacists’ pay rates are being backed ...

The post Work together for better wages appeared first on AJP.

Department consults union on 8CPA

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Tue, 05 Sep 2023 05:15:44 +0000

Employee pharmacists to have say in Eighth Community Pharmacy Agreement (8CPA) discussions, union reveals Union group, Professional Pharmacists Australia (PPA), will join organisations including the Royal Australian College of General ...

The post Department consults union on 8CPA appeared first on AJP.

Everyone must pay their share

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Mon, 04 Sep 2023 06:30:10 +0000

Cutting payroll tax for general practitioners will not boost access to medical appointments, Guild leader says Any changes to payroll tax requirements granted to GPs should be extended to all ...

The post Everyone must pay their share appeared first on AJP.

Grassroots GPs back scope expansion: Twomey

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Mon, 04 Sep 2023 04:15:41 +0000

General practitioners in northern Queensland are happily supporting efforts to expand pharmacists’ scope of practice Despite criticism from medical organisations GPs are happy to see pharmacists play a greater role ...

The post Grassroots GPs back scope expansion: Twomey appeared first on AJP.

Guild hires silk over ‘broken’ 7CPA

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Sun, 03 Sep 2023 18:30:48 +0000

Guild investigates legal options over 60-day dispensing changes ahead of talks for the Eighth Community Pharmacy Agreement (8CPA) Pharmacy owners are set to receive advice about the possibility of taking ...

The post Guild hires silk over ‘broken’ 7CPA appeared first on AJP.

Benefits of 60-day scripts limited by lack of repeats

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Sun, 03 Sep 2023 07:30:31 +0000

Minimum number of repeats needed to deliver on 60-day dispensing promises Patients who are deemed to be suitably stable on their medication to receive a 60-day prescription should be given ...

The post Benefits of 60-day scripts limited by lack of repeats appeared first on AJP.

NSW ‘keen’ to expand pharmacists’ scope

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Fri, 01 Sep 2023 03:45:38 +0000

NSW is set to implement a state-wide scope of practice trial mirroring the North Queensland Pharmacy Scope of Practice Pilot Expanding community pharmacists’ scope of practice will deliver benefits to ...

The post NSW ‘keen’ to expand pharmacists’ scope appeared first on AJP.

Let doctors diagnose and pharmacists prescribe

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Thu, 24 Aug 2023 08:30:32 +0000

Pharmacist prescribing could cut medication use and improve patient outcomes, expert claims Patients could be better off if doctors were to deliver diagnoses and leave decisions around medications to pharmacists, ...

The post Let doctors diagnose and pharmacists prescribe appeared first on AJP.

RACGP to have say in 8CPA

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Fri, 18 Aug 2023 09:43:18 +0000

Government invites GP body to have say on funding for community pharmacy The Department of Health and Aged Care is set to hold bilateral talks with the Royal Australian College ...

The post RACGP to have say in 8CPA appeared first on AJP.

State government to top up ORT payments

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Wed, 16 Aug 2023 03:15:54 +0000

Community pharmacies in one jurisdiction are set to receive additional payments to deliver Commonwealth Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) funded opioid replacement therapy The Tasmanian government will provide top up payments ...

The post State government to top up ORT payments appeared first on AJP.

Pharmacists set to march on Sydney

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Fri, 04 Aug 2023 09:30:25 +0000

Community pharmacy owners are planning a “walk for awareness” later this month to highlight the challenges 60-day dispensing will create Pharmacists are set to take their concerns about the proposed ...

The post Pharmacists set to march on Sydney appeared first on AJP.

Government rebuffs Guild 60-day dispensing claims

David Rowley — Thu, 03 Aug 2023 06:07:15 +0000

Ergas modelling 50% higher than Government estimates, according to updated 60-day dispensing “pharmacy kit” A Health Department 60-day dispensing instructional “pharmacy kit” has been updated to take aim at the ...

The post Government rebuffs Guild 60-day dispensing claims appeared first on AJP.

Pharmacists will survive: Labor MP

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Wed, 02 Aug 2023 05:45:35 +0000

Concerns about the impacts 60-day dispensing will have on community pharmacies are being dismissed by a government MP Labor MP, Peta Murphy, has dismissed suggestions that the closure of the ...

The post Pharmacists will survive: Labor MP appeared first on AJP.

AMA calls on Coalition to back 60-day dispensing

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Mon, 31 Jul 2023 06:30:30 +0000

Pharmacy owners’ double dispensing concerns dubbed an “irresponsible scare campaign” by doctors’ group Opposition leader, Peter Dutton, is being urged to clarify the Coalition’s position on 60-day dispensing, with the ...

The post AMA calls on Coalition to back 60-day dispensing appeared first on AJP.

Double dispensing safety net needed: Tyrrell

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 19:30:06 +0000

Government urged to compromise on 60-day dispensing roll out to protect the viability of community pharmacies Compromise will be critical to ensuring rural communities retain access to pharmacist-delivered health services ...

The post Double dispensing safety net needed: Tyrrell appeared first on AJP.

IR reforms will cost jobs employers warn

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Fri, 14 Jul 2023 03:00:07 +0000

Employers’ groups are calling on the federal government to rethink proposed changes to industrial relations (IR) laws Planned changes to Australian workplace relations legislation will put the economy at risk, ...

The post IR reforms will cost jobs employers warn appeared first on AJP.

Guild draws 60-day dispensing battlelines

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Thu, 13 Jul 2023 05:45:29 +0000

Residents living in marginal federal seats are set to be bombarded with advertising highlighting the risks double dispensing poses to the viability of community pharmacies The Pharmacy Guild of Australia ...

The post Guild draws 60-day dispensing battlelines appeared first on AJP.

Higgins misinformed on RPMA

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Wed, 12 Jul 2023 05:45:21 +0000

Suggestions that rural pharmacies are set to get a $90,000 funding boost to counteract the impacts of 60-day dispensing are wide of the mark Royal Australian College of General Practitioners ...

The post Higgins misinformed on RPMA appeared first on AJP.

60-day dispensing to kill off rural resources

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Mon, 10 Jul 2023 07:01:40 +0000

Rural towns with limited healthcare resources could be left without a pharmacy as a side effect of the Government’s double dispensing plan Patients in rural areas will bear the brunt ...

The post 60-day dispensing to kill off rural resources appeared first on AJP.

No consultation, but lots of spin

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Fri, 07 Jul 2023 06:30:29 +0000

Guild calls on Prime Minister to stop the cycle of spin and re-engaged with the community pharmacy sector In the absence of consultation with pharmacists over 60-day dispensing, Mark Butler ...

The post No consultation, but lots of spin appeared first on AJP.

‘Pragmatic’ Guild leader takes COSBOA board seat

AJP Staff — Mon, 03 Jul 2023 06:30:07 +0000

Pharmacy Guild of Australia WA branch president, Andrew Ngeow, will take the organisation’s seat on the board of the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA) Ngeow’s appointment came after ...

The post ‘Pragmatic’ Guild leader takes COSBOA board seat appeared first on AJP.

Guild likened to PwC over confidentiality agreement breach

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Wed, 07 Jun 2023 03:15:02 +0000

Minister tells Senate Estimates that the Pharmacy Guild of Australia’s decision to brief members about 60-day dispensing had similarities to PwC leaks Moves by the Pharmacy Guild of Australia to ...

The post Guild likened to PwC over confidentiality agreement breach appeared first on AJP.

Trust needs to be restored before 8CPA talks

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Tue, 06 Jun 2023 05:52:24 +0000

Labor is unlikely to open talks on the Eighth Community Pharmacy Agreement (8CPA) without an apology from the Pharmacy Guild of Australia Concerns around an alleged breach of confidentiality by ...

The post Trust needs to be restored before 8CPA talks appeared first on AJP.

Guild refutes Covid vax data mining claims

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Tue, 06 Jun 2023 04:15:44 +0000

Suggestions that the Pharmacy Guild of Australia is misusing patient data gathered through the Covid-19 vaccination campaign are incorrect, a spokesperson says Department of Health officials believe it is “likely” ...

The post Guild refutes Covid vax data mining claims appeared first on AJP.

Guild sidelined over alleged discussion protocol breach

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Fri, 02 Jun 2023 03:30:37 +0000

Department of Health officials are engaging with pharmacy groups including Chemist Warehouse and wholesalers on 60-day dispensing, but not the Pharmacy Guild of Australia Talks between the Guild and the ...

The post Guild sidelined over alleged discussion protocol breach appeared first on AJP.

Could an early 8CPA ease double dispensing fears?

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Fri, 26 May 2023 07:00:41 +0000

Access to cheaper medicines can be secured without the potential adverse effects of double dispensing if the government comes back to the table, according to the Pharmacy Guild of Australia ...

The post Could an early 8CPA ease double dispensing fears? appeared first on AJP.

PSA and Guild tighten ties

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Fri, 26 May 2023 05:45:14 +0000

Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) granted a seat on Pharmacy Guild of Australia committee, to support the fight against 60-day dispensing Former PSA national president, Shane Jackson, is being co-opted ...

The post PSA and Guild tighten ties appeared first on AJP.

No line in the sand on double dispensing talks: Guild

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Wed, 24 May 2023 05:00:43 +0000

Claims the Pharmacy Guild of Australia “walked away from discussions” about 60-day dispensing are inaccurate, a spokesperson says Responding to comments made by Labor’s Dr Mike Freelander in the House ...

The post No line in the sand on double dispensing talks: Guild appeared first on AJP.

Double dispensing a breach of trust: Twomey

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Fri, 19 May 2023 05:45:29 +0000

Trust between the government and community pharmacy is broken, Professor Trent Twomey, Pharmacy Guild of Australia national president believes Labor’s decision to push ahead with its plans for 60-day dispensing ...

The post Double dispensing a breach of trust: Twomey appeared first on AJP.

Double dispensing may not be as disastrous as portrayed

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Thu, 18 May 2023 06:45:20 +0000

Impacts of 60-day dispensing may not be severe as owners forecast, Union leader says Community pharmacy staff are being urged to “remain calm” amid grim warnings about the sector’s future ...

The post Double dispensing may not be as disastrous as portrayed appeared first on AJP.

Students drop out over double dispensing: Guild

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Thu, 18 May 2023 06:23:24 +0000

Concerns over the potential impacts of 60-day dispensing are pushing students to leave courses, the Pharmacy Guild of Australia’s Tasmanian branch president claims Pharmacy students are looking to transfer to ...

The post Students drop out over double dispensing: Guild appeared first on AJP.

Senator seeks pharmacy compensation scheme

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Thu, 11 May 2023 02:30:26 +0000

Pharmacies should be given access to a reimbursement scheme to support them through the transition to 60-day dispensing A two-year double dispensing transitional support package should be introduced to ensure ...

The post Senator seeks pharmacy compensation scheme appeared first on AJP.

How quickly they forget

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Wed, 10 May 2023 05:15:51 +0000

Efforts to ensure patients retained access to face-to-face primary healthcare during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic appear to be forgotten, an industry leader believes Federal Treasurer, Jim Chalmers’ decision ...

The post How quickly they forget appeared first on AJP.

ALP preps for 60-day dispensing battle

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Mon, 08 May 2023 05:25:35 +0000

Labor is set to mirror the Pharmacy Guild of Australia’s advocacy efforts by creating a ‘rapid response team’ to counter attacks on government policy Labor is looking to match the ...

The post ALP preps for 60-day dispensing battle appeared first on AJP.

$5000 to become face of 60-day dispensing

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Mon, 08 May 2023 05:15:43 +0000

Pharmacy workers are being offered $5000 to participate in campaign promoting 60-day dispensing Pharmacists looking to earn a little cash on the side are being offered the chance to become the ...

The post $5000 to become face of 60-day dispensing appeared first on AJP.

RACGP focused on disrupting Guild

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Mon, 01 May 2023 02:30:48 +0000

Securing wins in an interprofessional turf war appears to be a priority for the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) Community pharmacists are starting to question their relationships with ...

The post RACGP focused on disrupting Guild appeared first on AJP.

‘Short-sighted’ plan to cost millions

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Fri, 21 Apr 2023 11:30:17 +0000

Savings made through the federal government’s double dispensing proposal will come at a significant cost, a former Pharmacy Guild of Australia national president warns Moves to implement 60-day dispensing are ...

The post ‘Short-sighted’ plan to cost millions appeared first on AJP.

Pharmacies face $1b Budget threat

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Fri, 21 Apr 2023 01:34:49 +0000

Plans to introduce double dispensing in next month’s federal Budget could lead to the closure of hundreds of pharmacies across the country Draft Budget papers have heralded the introduction of ...

The post Pharmacies face $1b Budget threat appeared first on AJP.

GP grants no cure all: Guild

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Thu, 20 Apr 2023 06:00:10 +0000

New grants to “boost general practice infrastructure in Australia” will do little to rectify the current challenges in primary care, the Pharmacy Guild of Australia warns Under the $220 million ...

The post GP grants no cure all: Guild appeared first on AJP.

Don’t jump the gun – UTI trial delayed

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Wed, 19 Apr 2023 06:50:13 +0000

Pharmacists who are registered to participate in the NSW Pharmacist Treatment of Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) Trail, are being urged to hold off treating patients until researchers give the green ...

The post Don’t jump the gun – UTI trial delayed appeared first on AJP.

PBS co-payment cut an opportunity for Chalmers

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Wed, 19 Apr 2023 02:41:21 +0000

Treasurer has opportunity to ease cost-of-living pressures in Budget by slashing patients’ medication spending Jim Chalmers, the federal Treasurer can make medicines more affordable, without adding to inflationary pressures by ...

The post PBS co-payment cut an opportunity for Chalmers appeared first on AJP.

Guild ‘needs you’

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Mon, 17 Apr 2023 05:30:29 +0000

Pharmacy owners are being urged to lobby their local politicians to back the Pharmacy Guild of Australia’s Affordable Medicines Now campaign Professor Trent Twomey, the Guild’s National President, wants community ...

The post Guild ‘needs you’ appeared first on AJP.

Patients still skipping medications due to costs

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Thu, 06 Apr 2023 06:30:26 +0000

Cost remains a barrier preventing many patients from accessing prescription medicines, despite the $12.50 reduction in the PBS general co-payment Further cuts to the maximum Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) co-payment are ...

The post Patients still skipping medications due to costs appeared first on AJP.

Guild seeks further PBS co-pay cut

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Wed, 05 Apr 2023 06:00:29 +0000

Politicians are being told to “put their money where their mouth is” and slash the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme general co-payment by $11 Claims that healthcare is a priority for Australia’s ...

The post Guild seeks further PBS co-pay cut appeared first on AJP.

Make medicines more affordable: Guild

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Tue, 04 Apr 2023 05:30:20 +0000

Federal Treasurer, Jim Chalmers, is facing renewed calls to cut the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) general co-payment for the second time in next month’s Budget Having successfully secured a $12.50 ...

The post Make medicines more affordable: Guild appeared first on AJP.

Another state likely to launch UTI trial this year

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Fri, 31 Mar 2023 02:20:57 +0000

Pharmacists in Western Australia could see their scope of practice expand to include prescribing for urinary tract infections (UTIs) later this year Community pharmacy leaders are working with the WA ...

The post Another state likely to launch UTI trial this year appeared first on AJP.

Guild pleads for 7CPA funding boost

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Wed, 29 Mar 2023 03:30:55 +0000

Pharmacy Guild of Australia leaders are in Canberra for the final parliamentary sitting week ahead of the federal Budget amid a Seventh Community Pharmacy Agreement funding crisis With a funding ...

The post Guild pleads for 7CPA funding boost appeared first on AJP.

Feminised workforce opting for part-time roles

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Mon, 27 Mar 2023 08:00:11 +0000

Increasing numbers of pharmacists are working part-time adding to the profession’s ongoing workforce shortage, a Pharmacy Guild of Australia national councillor believes While Pharmacy Board of Australia registration data shows ...

The post Feminised workforce opting for part-time roles appeared first on AJP.

Script signature requirements will not return

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Fri, 24 Mar 2023 04:15:39 +0000

Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) signature requirements will not return, Mark Butler, the federal Minister for Health and Aged Care says Special arrangements authorising pharmacists to sign Prescription Refund Forms on ...

The post Script signature requirements will not return appeared first on AJP.

Guild shakes off RACGP’s scope of practice concerns

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Fri, 24 Mar 2023 01:45:52 +0000

Pharmacists are being urged to take advice from “modern day philosopher, Taylor Swift”, and “shake off” attacks from the medical profession’s peak bodies Criticism of pharmacist prescribing pilots by the ...

The post Guild shakes off RACGP’s scope of practice concerns appeared first on AJP.

Guild sees spike in vax training demand

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Wed, 15 Mar 2023 04:30:50 +0000

Changes to legislation authorising pharmacists in Queensland to administer influenza vaccines to children aged six-months and older is fuelling demand for immunisation training Updates to Queensland’s Medicines and Poisons Act ...

The post Guild sees spike in vax training demand appeared first on AJP.

GPs shun APC invitation

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Sun, 05 Mar 2023 07:15:48 +0000

GPs are set to comment from the sidelines rather than engage with the Australian Pharmacy Council on the development of accreditation standards for pharmacist prescribing Concerns about having to sign ...

The post GPs shun APC invitation appeared first on AJP.

Continued dispensing expanded in Tasmania

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Wed, 01 Mar 2023 13:15:37 +0000

Tasmanian pharmacists will be able to provide a broader range of medications to patients without a prescription through continued dispensing measures from 6 March Changes to state regulations will enable ...

The post Continued dispensing expanded in Tasmania appeared first on AJP.

Owners from CWH signed MBS petition: Singh

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Tue, 28 Feb 2023 03:30:59 +0000

Pharmacy owners from Chemist Warehouse are among the 2020 individuals who signed a petition calling for greater recognition of pharmacists Melbourne-based pharmacy advocate, Pardeep Singh, says he received support from unlikely ...

The post Owners from CWH signed MBS petition: Singh appeared first on AJP.

Migration matters

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Mon, 27 Feb 2023 22:40:22 +0000

Does immigration enable the profession to provide more services, or merely generate a source of cheap labour for pharmacies? Readers of the AJP have their say With the Pharmacy Guild ...

The post Migration matters appeared first on AJP.

Guild backs immigration rethink

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Fri, 24 Feb 2023 04:30:00 +0000

Plans to shift Australia’s visa system’s focus from temporary workers to permanent migration are being welcomed by the Pharmacy Guild of Australia Speaking at the Australian Financial Review’s Workforce Summit ...

The post Guild backs immigration rethink appeared first on AJP.

RACGP, NACCHO aligned in enmity to pharmacist prescribing

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Fri, 17 Feb 2023 04:30:29 +0000

Efforts to expand pharmacists’ scope of practice will adversely affect Indigenous patients’ healthcare two leading health bodies warn Assertions by the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACHHO)that the introduction ...

The post RACGP, NACCHO aligned in enmity to pharmacist prescribing appeared first on AJP.

Flood affected pharmacy finds new home

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Tue, 14 Feb 2023 08:22:29 +0000

Eleven months after floods damaged a Lismore pharmacy, the store has reopened in a new location owners’ hope will be spared should the Richmond River burst its banks again Recruiting ...

The post Flood affected pharmacy finds new home appeared first on AJP.

Put safety ahead of convenience

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Fri, 10 Feb 2023 04:30:03 +0000

Patients are being urged to eschew the convenience of online prescribing services in favour of a “proper consult”. Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) Victorian Chair, Dr Anita ...

The post Put safety ahead of convenience appeared first on AJP.

Scope harmonisation required

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Wed, 08 Feb 2023 04:30:01 +0000

State and territory governments are being urged to adopt a harmonised approach to the expansion of pharmacists’ scope of practice. With several premiers voicing their support for pharmacists to ...

The post Scope harmonisation required appeared first on AJP.

Pharmacist prescribing about patients, not turf: Guild

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Fri, 03 Feb 2023 04:30:58 +0000

Calls for pharmacists to be authorised to prescribe treatments for a limited number of conditions is about meeting patient needs, not an interprofessional rivalry. Moves towards pharmacist prescribing reflect ...

The post Pharmacist prescribing about patients, not turf: Guild appeared first on AJP.

Turf war heats up ahead of National Cabinet meeting

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Thu, 02 Feb 2023 17:00:29 +0000

Tensions between the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) and the pharmacy sector are rising over calls to expand pharmacists’ scope of practice. With NSW Premier, Dominic Perrottet, ...

The post Turf war heats up ahead of National Cabinet meeting appeared first on AJP.

Ending emergency supply measures not in patients’ interests

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Wed, 01 Feb 2023 05:30:23 +0000

Letting the expanded emergency supply authority lapse will have an adverse impact on NSW’s health system, pharmacy leaders warn. The measure, which has been in force in NSW throughout ...

The post Ending emergency supply measures not in patients’ interests appeared first on AJP.

Labor gains lion’s share of Guild donations

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Wed, 01 Feb 2023 05:00:08 +0000

New data on political donations released by the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) show the Pharmacy Guild of Australia shifted its support to Labor in 2021/22. In the lead-up to ...

The post Labor gains lion’s share of Guild donations appeared first on AJP.

Recognise pharmacists as prescribers: Petition

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Fri, 27 Jan 2023 05:30:11 +0000

Pharmacy bodies are being urged to unite behind a petition calling on the House of Representatives to extend Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) provider numbers to pharmacists. Melbourne-based pharmacist, Pardeep ...

The post Recognise pharmacists as prescribers: Petition appeared first on AJP.

Guild shifts election cycle

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Wed, 25 Jan 2023 08:30:10 +0000

Changes to the Pharmacy Guild of Australia’s constitution were made late last year and will extend the organisation’s election cycle to four years. The amendments lodged with the Fair Work ...

The post Guild shifts election cycle appeared first on AJP.

Technology lagging on pharmacists’ needs

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Tue, 24 Jan 2023 04:45:26 +0000

Gaps in the development of health information communication technology (ICT) may hinder the “inevitable” implementation of pharmacist prescribing, researchers warn. A review of 20 existing health ICT evaluation frameworks, ...

The post Technology lagging on pharmacists’ needs appeared first on AJP.

Date set for PPA, Guild Award talks

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Wed, 18 Jan 2023 12:30:39 +0000

Representatives from the Pharmacy Guild of Australia and union group, Professional Pharmacists Australia (PPA), will meet next month to discuss proposals to boost intern pay rates. Following a Fair Work ...

The post Date set for PPA, Guild Award talks appeared first on AJP.

Guild backs RACGP vaping guidelines

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Tue, 17 Jan 2023 04:30:52 +0000

Regulations relating to nicotine vaping products (NVPs) need to be tightened to reduce black-market sales and adolescent use; the Pharmacy Guild of Australia believes. In its submission to the ...

The post Guild backs RACGP vaping guidelines appeared first on AJP.

Boyd departs COSBOA with Guild’s best wishes

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Tue, 10 Jan 2023 05:05:39 +0000

Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA) CEO, Alexi Boyd, will step down from the role on 25 January, after 18 months. Boyd tendered her resignation after criticism from ...

The post Boyd departs COSBOA with Guild’s best wishes appeared first on AJP.

Medicines pricing makes Australia unattractive for manufacturers

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Tue, 10 Jan 2023 04:30:19 +0000

Australia’s reliance on overseas manufactured medications combined with medicines pricing is fueling current supply shortages, a senior Guild official believes Speaking to ABC News, Adele Tahan, vice president of the ...

The post Medicines pricing makes Australia unattractive for manufacturers appeared first on AJP.

Script volumes slightly higher—but not enough to trigger changes

Sheshtyn Paola — Wed, 16 Nov 2022 04:00:31 +0000

“No reason” why remuneration adjustment mechanism will not be included in 8CPA, says Guild, but business expert thinks pharmacy owners will have to wait and see The Pharmacy Guild has ...

The post Script volumes slightly higher—but not enough to trigger changes appeared first on AJP.

Interest in pharmacist services, GP access issues: Survey

Sheshtyn Paola — Mon, 26 Sep 2022 06:00:46 +0000

New survey results show governments should “clear the way” for pharmacists to do more, argues Pharmacy Guild Many Australians would feel comfortable receiving a wider range of services from pharmacists ...

The post Interest in pharmacist services, GP access issues: Survey appeared first on AJP.

Accreditation body to close

Sheshtyn Paola — Mon, 26 Sep 2022 06:00:02 +0000

Australian Association of Consultant Pharmacy to cease operation at the end of 2022, with accreditation to transition to the Australasian College of Pharmacy and PSA The Australian Association of Consultant ...

The post Accreditation body to close appeared first on AJP.

Celebrating the profession

Sheshtyn Paola — Fri, 23 Sep 2022 20:00:23 +0000

Here’s what leaders from across the pharmacy landscape had to say about this year’s theme for World Pharmacists Day Happy World Pharmacists Day to all of our valued readers! “Pharmacy ...

The post Celebrating the profession appeared first on AJP.

Conflict between pharmacy, GP groups fuels lack of change

Sheshtyn Paola — Fri, 24 Jun 2022 10:00:49 +0000

Why does Australia lag behind other countries in seeing pharmacists move beyond their dispensing role? Key stakeholders speak up in new study Political tensions between pharmacy and GP groups—and within ...

The post Conflict between pharmacy, GP groups fuels lack of change appeared first on AJP.

‘So excited, happy and honoured’: IOTY 2021

Jan Decomps — Thu, 05 May 2022 01:14:18 +0000

2021 MIMS/Guild Intern of the Year Firouzeh (Fi) Farihi Zadeh tells us about her journey from Iran to Australia, and her career change to pharmacy while bringing up a young ...

The post ‘So excited, happy and honoured’: IOTY 2021 appeared first on AJP.

Significant pharmacy vaccine expansion for WA

Sheshtyn Paola — Thu, 21 Apr 2022 07:00:16 +0000

WA expands pharmacist vaccine scope to include HPV vax and lowers the flu vax age to five years, as pharmacy bodies call for the same for all other states and ...

The post Significant pharmacy vaccine expansion for WA appeared first on AJP.

Pharmacy at the centre of the pandemic

Chris Brooker — Mon, 11 Apr 2022 00:48:00 +0000

“We’ve had a traumatic time… in a couple of waves of the pandemic”: Catherine Bronger discusses coping with crisis, and how we can deal with medicines affordability and practice ...

The post Pharmacy at the centre of the pandemic appeared first on AJP.

‘For the first time in two years I feel my head above water’

Chris Brooker — Mon, 11 Apr 2022 00:21:25 +0000

Anthony Tassone discusses pharmacy life in the Victorian lockdown and his thoughts on achieving full scope of practice We spoke to Anthony Tassone, president of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia ...

The post ‘For the first time in two years I feel my head above water’ appeared first on AJP.

Guild projects ‘overspend’ for CPA programs

Sheshtyn Paola — Sat, 26 Mar 2022 06:00:50 +0000

Government brings forward millions in pharmacy program funds for the current financial year, but Guild leader warns DAA and MedsCheck cap changes are “very unlikely” Pharmacies are “doing a very ...

The post Guild projects ‘overspend’ for CPA programs appeared first on AJP.

Daily Dose Day Two

Guest Author — Fri, 25 Mar 2022 14:06:35 +0000

The highlights of APP Day Two: Health Minister announces major changes around COVID and medicines affordability, plus the Guild and ACP join forces APP 2022 has continued into day two ...

The post Daily Dose Day Two appeared first on AJP.

RACGP, AMA ‘completely unhinged’: Twomey

Sheshtyn Paola — Thu, 24 Mar 2022 06:30:28 +0000

Guild president takes aim at GPs after an article referring to pharmacy scope of practice “compared pharmacists to dogs” Pharmacy Guild National President Trent Twomey has blasted GP groups for ...

The post RACGP, AMA ‘completely unhinged’: Twomey appeared first on AJP.

Happy International Women’s Day

Sheshtyn Paola — Mon, 07 Mar 2022 19:00:08 +0000

Is there room for more opportunity for women in pharmacy? AJP spoke with leaders from across the profession Today is International Women’s Day (IWD), a day to celebrate the achievements ...

The post Happy International Women’s Day appeared first on AJP.

‘We make no apology for putting patients first.’

Sheshtyn Paola — Fri, 11 Feb 2022 06:00:28 +0000

Guild defends pharmacy scope of practice trial, as GP group withdraws advisory committee representative in protest The Pharmacy Guild has defended the “full scope of practice” trial for community pharmacists ...

The post ‘We make no apology for putting patients first.’ appeared first on AJP.

New policy brings in ‘uninterrupted’ lunch breaks

Sheshtyn Paola — Wed, 09 Feb 2022 07:00:58 +0000

The largest pharmacy chain in the US is bringing in scheduled lunch breaks for its staff… do you take your entitled breaks? CVS Health, the largest pharmacy operator in the ...

The post New policy brings in ‘uninterrupted’ lunch breaks appeared first on AJP.

Bright futures ahead

AJP Staff — Mon, 07 Feb 2022 03:12:15 +0000

The 2021 Intern of the Year finalists have been announced The Pharmacy Guild of Australia has announced four finalists for the 2021 MIMS / Guild Intern of the Year Award. ...

The post Bright futures ahead appeared first on AJP.

Medicines should be ‘affordable’

Sheshtyn Paola — Wed, 02 Feb 2022 06:00:49 +0000

“Timely, equitable and reliable” access to medicines a top priority in refreshed medicines policy, but alternative models to community pharmacy dispensing not addressed Pharmacy groups have seen some of their ...

The post Medicines should be ‘affordable’ appeared first on AJP.

‘Unfair disparity’ in vax pay remains

Sheshtyn Paola — Thu, 23 Dec 2021 05:28:38 +0000

Covid jab pay boost welcome but disparity between community pharmacies and other providers still needs to be addressed, says pharmacy group From today (23 December), pharmacists will receive an additional ...

The post ‘Unfair disparity’ in vax pay remains appeared first on AJP.

Trent Twomey: The role of pharmacists and physicians in supporting a patient-centric narrative

Guest Author — Sat, 31 Jul 2021 14:01:47 +0000

Trent Twomey, the National President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia highlights the shifting power dynamic from physicians to patients in determining what medicines they are prescribed. Collaborative care is ...

The post Trent Twomey: The role of pharmacists and physicians in supporting a patient-centric narrative appeared first on AJP.

“Shame on you”: Guild President slams bureaucracy

Chris Brooker — Tue, 29 Jun 2021 08:00:26 +0000

“People have had enough,” says Trent Twomey as the Guild lambasts Australia’s COVID vaccine failure and calls for pharmacies nationally to be activated Trent Twomey, national president of the Pharmacy ...

The post “Shame on you”: Guild President slams bureaucracy appeared first on AJP.

A demanding role

Sheshtyn Paola — Mon, 15 Mar 2021 03:49:07 +0000

George Tambassis says goodbye to an “exciting… and at times, frustrating” term as national president in final column With the new national president-elect of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia to ...

The post A demanding role appeared first on AJP.

Community pharmacy push in lead up to election

Sheshtyn Paola — Fri, 05 Mar 2021 01:05:02 +0000

This Pharmacy Guild branch has secured written statements of support from its state’s Labor, Liberal, Nationals and Greens parties Community pharmacies in Western Australia has received written statements of support ...

The post Community pharmacy push in lead up to election appeared first on AJP.

Guild election results revealed

Sheshtyn Paola — Mon, 16 Nov 2020 05:59:52 +0000

Who are the new branch committee members for the upcoming three-year term? Results of the Pharmacy Guild Stage One branch elections, conducted by the Australian Electoral Commission, have been revealed. ...

The post Guild election results revealed appeared first on AJP.

Pharmacies still essential during Victoria’s ‘State of Disaster’

Sheshtyn Paola — Mon, 03 Aug 2020 09:08:02 +0000

Clarification on pharmacy visits as Melbourne moves to Stage 4 restrictions with curfew and regional Victoria to Stage 3 Community pharmacies across Victoria may continue to operate as usual during ...

The post Pharmacies still essential during Victoria’s ‘State of Disaster’ appeared first on AJP.

Pharmacy COVID-19 testing trial to commence

Sheshtyn Paola — Mon, 20 Jul 2020 06:00:01 +0000

South Australia is rolling out a two-week testing pilot commencing at several metropolitan pharmacies this week SA Health has announced a two-week pilot that will allow community pharmacists to test ...

The post Pharmacy COVID-19 testing trial to commence appeared first on AJP.

Pharmacy wage increase

Sheshtyn Paola — Thu, 02 Jul 2020 05:56:11 +0000

New minimum rates for pharmacy workers now apply from 1 July The Fair Work Commission (FWC) recently handed down its Annual Wage Review Decision, in which it determined to increase ...

The post Pharmacy wage increase appeared first on AJP.

‘Historians and epidemiologists will write whole books on what’s happened here.’

AJP Staff — Tue, 02 Jun 2020 08:00:58 +0000

Tambassis congratulates community pharmacies across Australia, and says their crucial role should be recognised in the 7CPA – but ‘time is running out’ on negotiations Pharmacy Guild national president George ...

The post ‘Historians and epidemiologists will write whole books on what’s happened here.’ appeared first on AJP.

Pharmacists, GPs continue to see marked downturn in foot traffic

Sheshtyn Paola — Thu, 14 May 2020 08:00:20 +0000

It is a myth to assume that all pharmacies ‘are doing well’ from COVID-19, says the Guild, with many looking to the JobKeeper scheme to stay afloat Pharmacies located in ...

The post Pharmacists, GPs continue to see marked downturn in foot traffic appeared first on AJP.

Donations recognise frontline pharmacy workers

AJP Staff — Fri, 08 May 2020 05:57:55 +0000

RB Health has donated $10,000 to the Pharmacists’ Support Service (PSS) and distributed ‘Thank You’ packs to almost 4,000 Guild member pharmacies across the country The donations were made in ...

The post Donations recognise frontline pharmacy workers appeared first on AJP.

Guild confirms 7CPA is on its way

Sheshtyn Paola — Mon, 04 May 2020 10:00:10 +0000

Negotiations are continuing despite the added difficulty of COVID-19, says the Pharmacy Guild Despite the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 emergency, negotiations with the Federal Government are continuing towards a ...

The post Guild confirms 7CPA is on its way appeared first on AJP.

‘It treats pharmacists with contempt.’

Sheshtyn Paola — Thu, 16 Apr 2020 06:00:10 +0000

The therapeutic substitution arrangements in their proposed form are “not workable” and ultimately “unacceptable”, says pharmacy body A few weeks ago the Federal Government announced it would implement changes to ...

The post ‘It treats pharmacists with contempt.’ appeared first on AJP.

Emergency supply extended in Victoria

Sheshtyn Paola — Thu, 26 Mar 2020 05:58:36 +0000

Guild calls for national approach to continued dispensing as Victoria becomes the second state to extend emergency supply measures The Victorian Department of Health and Human Services has made an ...

The post Emergency supply extended in Victoria appeared first on AJP.

Push for pharmacists to dispense more medicines without script

Sheshtyn Paola — Wed, 04 Mar 2020 07:00:42 +0000

As GPs and hospitals come under increasing pressure from COVID-19, it “just makes sense” for pharmacists to do more, says Guild… but RACGP labels it a “cynical ploy” Pharmacists should ...

The post Push for pharmacists to dispense more medicines without script appeared first on AJP.

‘Patients deserve better.’

Sheshtyn Paola — Thu, 27 Feb 2020 09:00:55 +0000

Guild calls out deregulation as US system exposed as a “profit-before-all-else pharmacy racket” A recent exposé in the New York Times has alleged that Walgreens pharmacy employees are under significant ...

The post ‘Patients deserve better.’ appeared first on AJP.

‘Rivers of gold’ for pharmacy owners?

Sheshtyn Paola — Mon, 24 Feb 2020 19:30:41 +0000

CPA characterised as lucrative deal for the Guild, while its national president’s salary revealed as one of the highest for union and employer groups in Australia In part two of ...

The post ‘Rivers of gold’ for pharmacy owners? appeared first on AJP.

Guild’s political influence again under media microscope

Sheshtyn Paola — Wed, 19 Feb 2020 07:00:45 +0000

‘The Pharmacy Guild of Australia knows what it wants, and it knows how to get it,’ says Crikey’s investigative reporting unit The Pharmacy Guild often finds itself being discussed in ...

The post Guild’s political influence again under media microscope appeared first on AJP.

NSW pharmacists given special authority

Sheshtyn Paola — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 02:46:02 +0000

Special authority for emergency supply without a prescription in bushfire-affected areas has been issued by the NSW Chief Health Officer A temporary special authority has been issued for supply of ...

The post NSW pharmacists given special authority appeared first on AJP.

‘Disgusting’ community pharmacy ‘untruths’

Sheshtyn Paola — Wed, 23 Oct 2019 07:00:46 +0000

NSW guild president slams comments that pharmacies are not competitive, adding the current system benefits the big discounters The community pharmacy “pile-on” during the current negotiations for the Seventh Community ...

The post ‘Disgusting’ community pharmacy ‘untruths’ appeared first on AJP.

Rolling out the red carpet

Sheshtyn Paola — Wed, 16 Oct 2019 07:00:27 +0000

Pharmacy organisations have welcomed the new PSA CEO, signalling the important role he will have in continuing to progress partnerships with the industry The Pharmacy Guild of Australia and the ...

The post Rolling out the red carpet appeared first on AJP.

‘Service roles should not be duplicated.’

Sheshtyn Paola — Tue, 15 Oct 2019 11:00:50 +0000

Guild rejects proposal to embed pharmacists independent of community pharmacy, saying this would lead to duplication and fragmentation of care Pharmacists would be best integrated into aged care facilities through ...

The post ‘Service roles should not be duplicated.’ appeared first on AJP.

‘Pharmacies compete fiercely on script prices.’

Guest Author — Wed, 02 Oct 2019 20:30:19 +0000

The current system benefits patients and drives competition on medicines, argues this community pharmacist The main features of the Australian Healthcare system are the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) and the ...

The post ‘Pharmacies compete fiercely on script prices.’ appeared first on AJP.

PBS dispensing a ‘very effective’ public-private partnership?

Sheshtyn Paola — Wed, 11 Sep 2019 08:00:32 +0000

Call for Federal, State and Territory governments to work together to promote pharmacists’ role, and ‘nurture’ the 5700-strong community pharmacy network The PBS is a strong system of universal access ...

The post PBS dispensing a ‘very effective’ public-private partnership? appeared first on AJP.

GP-owned dispensing pharmacists ‘world’s best practice’?

Sheshtyn Paola — Mon, 09 Sep 2019 20:30:18 +0000

Doc group argues for GP-owned dispensing pharmacists, but Guild says it’s a “tit-for-tat” reaction to “battery hen” medicine—while PSA maintains separation of prescribing and dispensing is “paramount” The Australian Medical ...

The post GP-owned dispensing pharmacists ‘world’s best practice’? appeared first on AJP.

‘Hold your head high.’

Sheshtyn Paola — Wed, 04 Sep 2019 20:30:18 +0000

Pharmacy bashing season has begun, says NSW Guild president, but he encourages pharmacists to stand tall in the face of ‘malicious journalism’ Community pharmacy agreement talks have set off a ...

The post ‘Hold your head high.’ appeared first on AJP.

Vale John Matthews

AJP Staff — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 03:37:21 +0000

Guild pays tribute to an ‘outstanding’ life of the community pharmacist and leader The Pharmacy Guild of Australia has noted with sadness the passing of John Matthews, who they described ...

The post Vale John Matthews appeared first on AJP.

The 57 towns with no GP

Sheshtyn Paola — Thu, 22 Aug 2019 08:30:14 +0000

Pharmacy Guild highlights rural service gaps and doctor shortages to bolster argument for prescribing rights, more funding and recognition Community pharmacies are struggling with workforce shortages and workforce distribution inequities, ...

The post The 57 towns with no GP appeared first on AJP.

Case dismissed

Sheshtyn Paola — Mon, 19 Aug 2019 04:50:23 +0000

Pharmacy Guild sees proceedings against Ramsay Health Care dismissed as court rules it cannot determine whether there has been criminal conduct in a civil suit Proceedings brought by the Pharmacy ...

The post Case dismissed appeared first on AJP.

We support Medicare and bigger role for pharmacists: CHF

Sheshtyn Paola — Fri, 16 Aug 2019 08:30:20 +0000

Consumer group calls for widened pharmacist role in healthcare and more funding including Medicare items for pharmacy, and criticises turf war There should be a bigger role for pharmacists in ...

The post We support Medicare and bigger role for pharmacists: CHF appeared first on AJP.

Who should have a seat at the 7CPA table?

AJP Staff — Wed, 31 Jul 2019 20:30:32 +0000

We review the results of our poll, which received over 800 votes Over the past three weeks, AJP ran a poll asking readers which organisations they think should be able ...

The post Who should have a seat at the 7CPA table? appeared first on AJP.

Dispensing back in the spotlight

Sheshtyn Paola — Tue, 30 Jul 2019 19:00:39 +0000

RACGP head calls for six-month dispensing, cuts to dispensing fees in discussion about scope of practice Doctor and pharmacist group heads have debated pharmacist scope of practice, dispensing and complementary ...

The post Dispensing back in the spotlight appeared first on AJP.

We want to be embedded in aged care, say pharmacists

Sheshtyn Paola — Thu, 18 Jul 2019 20:30:14 +0000

Not a zero-sum game: pharmacists should be able to perform medication management activities – whether they come from community pharmacy or elsewhere, says PSA This week AJP covered the topic of integrating ...

The post We want to be embedded in aged care, say pharmacists appeared first on AJP.

Is embedding non-dispensing pharmacists the ‘wrong’ approach?

Sheshtyn Paola — Wed, 17 Jul 2019 08:30:32 +0000

Can non-dispensing pharmacists play a crucial role such as prescribing and advising GPs… or should this role be filled by community pharmacists instead Pharmacist researcher Dr Janet Sluggett, an NHMRC ...

The post Is embedding non-dispensing pharmacists the ‘wrong’ approach? appeared first on AJP.

Poll: Who should have a seat at the table?

AJP Staff — Tue, 09 Jul 2019 20:30:26 +0000

As 7CPA talks begin, we ask AJP readers who they think should be a party to the proceedings The Department of Health confirms it has begun consultation for the Seventh ...

The post Poll: Who should have a seat at the table? appeared first on AJP.

7CPA talks kick off

Sheshtyn Paola — Mon, 08 Jul 2019 08:00:57 +0000

Government talks with the Guild and PSA have begun, while Chemist Warehouse, Ramsay and doctor’s groups have been invited to a roundtable meeting this month Initial consultation for the Seventh ...

The post 7CPA talks kick off appeared first on AJP.

Are pharmacists experiencing role overload?

Sheshtyn Paola — Wed, 12 Jun 2019 20:30:43 +0000

Pharmacists are saying it’s not possible to multitask professional services alongside dispensing and counselling, according to researcher Preliminary research shows providing professional services is a different role altogether to the ...

The post Are pharmacists experiencing role overload? appeared first on AJP.

7CPA negotiations will be tough, challenging: Guild

Sheshtyn Paola — Mon, 03 Jun 2019 10:00:20 +0000

The Pharmacy Guild has conceded that there will be disagreements ahead, highlighting the “flawed” $1 discount policy With Greg Hunt to retain the Health portfolio as pharmacy enters 7CPA negotiations, ...

The post 7CPA negotiations will be tough, challenging: Guild appeared first on AJP.

Guild admits it was ‘blindsided’ by PSA signatory announcement

Sheshtyn Paola — Mon, 20 May 2019 20:30:23 +0000

It was also ‘perplexed’ about the Health Minister’s decision to announce dual listing of medicines without consultation There has been a concerning lack of consultation regarding significant decisions that have ...

The post Guild admits it was ‘blindsided’ by PSA signatory announcement appeared first on AJP.

Long-awaited support

Sheshtyn Paola — Mon, 13 May 2019 10:00:10 +0000

The Pharmacy Guild has received a letter of support from the PM and Health Minister, with less than a week to go until the election After receiving promises from Labor ...

The post Long-awaited support appeared first on AJP.

Lowering the threshold

Sheshtyn Paola — Thu, 02 May 2019 06:54:57 +0000

The Coalition has promised to reduce the PBS safety net threshold and Labor says it will now match it – but the Guild says more can be done A re-elected ...

The post Lowering the threshold appeared first on AJP.

Crime or competition?

Sheshtyn Paola — Tue, 30 Apr 2019 20:50:12 +0000

In the next instalment of the Guild-Ramsay legal saga, the two sides have battled it out over pharmacy ownership and business competition in the courtroom The Pharmacy Guild of Australia ...

The post Crime or competition? appeared first on AJP.

Battling a ‘turnstile’ system?

Sheshtyn Paola — Sun, 14 Apr 2019 20:30:47 +0000

Guild leaders highlight doctor article, saying it confirms what they’ve been saying about ‘five-minute medicine’ A Sydney general practitioner has written an article for The Australian pointing out the difficulties ...

The post Battling a ‘turnstile’ system? appeared first on AJP.

Doubling down

Sheshtyn Paola — Thu, 11 Apr 2019 20:30:56 +0000

RACGP and CHF have called on the Federal government to rethink its 60-day dispense decision, but the Guild tells doctors to stop ‘meddling in pharmacy matters’ The Royal Australian College ...

The post Doubling down appeared first on AJP.

Health Minister spruiks dollar discount

Sheshtyn Paola — Wed, 10 Apr 2019 20:30:11 +0000

Hunt has responded in Parliament to a petition to extend government payment of s100 co-payments citing state and territory jurisdiction, the PBS and the $1 pharmacy discount In February this ...

The post Health Minister spruiks dollar discount appeared first on AJP.

Is the Guild ‘a major barrier’ for pharmacists moving forward?

Sheshtyn Paola — Sun, 07 Apr 2019 20:30:35 +0000

A distinguished former public servant has criticised the Pharmacy Guild over its approach to professional services, but it says his comments are ‘out of date and out of touch’ “Pharmacists ...

The post Is the Guild ‘a major barrier’ for pharmacists moving forward? appeared first on AJP.

Shooting for the hip

AJP Staff — Thu, 04 Apr 2019 05:29:47 +0000

AJP speaks with NSW Guild president David Heffernan about rural pharmacy issues, the 7CPA and getting movement on pharmacy services in our biggest state

The post Shooting for the hip appeared first on AJP.

A seat at the table

Chris Brooker — Tue, 12 Mar 2019 18:49:56 +0000

Guild’s push to scrap $1 co-pay discount led Health Minister to a unilateral call for the PSA’s place at the agreement table, says George Tambassis, as he also talks up ...

The post A seat at the table appeared first on AJP.

Common ground

Sheshtyn Paola — Fri, 08 Mar 2019 01:20:52 +0000

PPA has sided with the Guild and King Report recommendation to ditch the $1 optional discount in favour of a $1 reduction in co-payments for all patients Pharmacists’ union PPA ...

The post Common ground appeared first on AJP.

AMA submission focus on general practice

Sheshtyn Paola — Thu, 21 Feb 2019 06:30:31 +0000

Doctors’ group calls for support for longer GP consultations, a strong PBS, and lifting of caps on subsidies that can support employment of pharmacists in general practice With the 2019-20 ...

The post AMA submission focus on general practice appeared first on AJP.

‘Playground nonsense’?

Sheshtyn Paola — Thu, 14 Feb 2019 11:00:46 +0000

RACGP hits back at NSW Guild column President of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) Harry Nespolon has responded to a column written by Pharmacy Guild NSW president ...

The post ‘Playground nonsense’? appeared first on AJP.

Doctors ‘declare war’ on the Pharmacy Guild

Sheshtyn Paola — Mon, 11 Feb 2019 19:50:13 +0000

GPs are outraged over a Guild leader column blasting “five-minute medicine” – but he says as long as doctors hold themselves above everyone else the system will be fragmented The Pharmacy ...

The post Doctors ‘declare war’ on the Pharmacy Guild appeared first on AJP.

Govt cracking down on PBS claims, prescriptions

Sheshtyn Paola — Sun, 03 Feb 2019 22:55:56 +0000

Pharmacist claims are reportedly under review as the government queries pharmacies on flagged scripts and warns of potential future audits if concerns are identified The Department of Health Compliance team ...

The post Govt cracking down on PBS claims, prescriptions appeared first on AJP.

Looking to the future

Sheshtyn Paola — Thu, 24 Jan 2019 19:30:40 +0000

Discounters, different models of practice… Community pharmacy is facing more change than ever before, but leading pharmacists and owners say it’s all about being sure of what you offer Recognised ...

The post Looking to the future appeared first on AJP.