SET AND READY TO UNLEASH THE POTENTIAL OF THE PHARMACIST HEALTH WORKFORCE Government aligns Scope of Practice review with Pharmacists in 2030 report
Filmed in Perth, Western Australia, November 2024
With Associate Professor Fei Sim, National President
Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA)
Last week, Associate Professor Fei Sim the National President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA), the peak body representing 39,000 pharmacists across Australia’s health system, spoke to Australian Health Journal about the release of the Unleashing the Potential of our Health Workforce – Scope of Practice Review. The review and final report sets out to create a clear pathway for health professionals to contribute more to our health system and practice to their full and top of scope.
The report calls for governments to remove the inconsistent barriers that restrict the scope of healthcare professionals, including pharmacists.
PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS commended the report’s focus on removing barriers for pharmacists and other healthcare professionals as a critical step towards a more accessible and resilient healthcare system.
“This review confirms PSA’s view that inconsistent regulations, unnecessary restrictions on practice, and siloed workforces are having a negative impact on patient access to quality health care,” Associate Professor Sim said.
“Pharmacists are some of the most accessible healthcare professionals in our communities, yet regulatory barriers continue to limit our ability to provide care when and where our patients need it. The release of this final report is the next step towards breaking down these barriers through a short- and long-term reform agenda, addressing the inefficiencies in our health system.”
Associate Professor Sim said that the report’s recommendations present a genuine opportunity to improve access to health care across Australia.
“There is a clear alignment between Cormack’s recommendations and the actions in PSA’s vision for the pharmacy profession, Pharmacists in 2030. Both present a clear vision for the future that requires collaboration for a health system that works for patients,” Associate Professor Sim said.
“This report recognises the core role of pharmacies and pharmacists as primary healthcare providers and recommends a multidisciplinary approach to patient care.
“In order to make the most of the opportunities presented by the report, we need governments, regulators and health care professionals to work together for a strong, sustainable health system that utilises all health professionals to their full scope.
“I urge governments and stakeholders at all levels to accept and act on the report’s recommendations in full to build a health system ready for the growing health needs of Australians.”
A/Prof Fei Sim served on the Cormack Review’s Expert Advisory Committee, representing the pharmacy profession.
-
Message from former Australian Health Minister Hon Greg Hunt
The Honourable Greg Hunt served in the Australian Government as Minster for Health and Aged Care from 2017, previously as Industry, Innovation and Science Minister and before that the Environment Minister.
Elected as the Member for Flinders in 2001, Greg announced his retirement from politics late 2021 and in 2022, ahead of the Federal Election, having completed 20 years as a public servant.
Australian Health Journal recently caught up with Greg in a relaxed interview at his home in the Mornington Peninsula, Victoria to hear how a 9 month sabbatical has allowed him to focus on family, fitness and future. This has even included some “brutal spin cycle classes!”.
-
New research papers show productivity gains and gaps
Commissioner Catherine De Fontenay talks about the Productivity Commission’s new approach to analysing health productivity, shifting the perspective from the unit measurement of individuals using the health system to the actual improvement of health. This has shown Australia’s health treatment productivity is improving, but identifies gaps in preventative health measures and duplication, where digital technology needs to be more effectively used.
-
Health Minister appoints Chair to National One Stop Shop Program
The Australian Government has appointed Emeritus Professor Ian Chubb AC, FAA FTSE to lead key reforms as Chair of the Inter-Governmental Policy Reform Group (IGPRG) for health and medical research, including clinical trials.
Minister for Health and Aged Care, The Hon Mark Butler MP on the selection and appointment said, “Professor Chubb has dedicated his career to improving health and medical research and education in this county and I am pleased he has agreed to share his knowledge and experience through the IGPRG.
