Community pharmacy sector slashed

A NEW report has highlighted the dire consequences of the Federal Government’s 60-day dispensing policy, including the loss of up to 20,000 jobs, the closure of 665 pharmacies, and a detrimental impact on Australia’s most vulnerable patients.

The report, conducted by esteemed economist Henry Ergas AO in collaboration with Tulipwood Advisory and the Relational Insights Data Lab at Griffith University, has also recommended a delay in the policy’s implementation to allow for proper consultation with the community and pharmacy sector.

The findings of the report emphasize that elderly individuals with chronic health conditions and residents in regional areas will bear the brunt of the policy.

In addition to the closure of 665 pharmacies, another 900 establishments face significant financial pressure and the risk of closure.

Consequently, pharmacies will be forced to reduce their opening hours, including weekends, and discontinue free services such as blood pressure monitoring, home delivery of medicines, and diabetes and asthma programs.

beauty. Educational sessions and workshops on healthy eating habits, nutrition, and sustainable food practices are also available. Recognising the significance of mental wellbeing, the Healthy Sunshine Coast Program offers resources and support to help individuals manage stress, build resilience, and prioritise self-care.

Sue Moore, provider of ‘The Practice of Mindfulness for Stress Reduction’ sessions, highlighted the importance of mindfulness in today’s fast-paced world. By incorporating mindfulness techniques throughout the day, individuals can enhance their overall wellbeing, decrease depression, anxiety, and stress, improve memory, and strengthen relationships.

‘The Practice of Mindfulness for Stress Reduction’ sessions are at the Caloundra CWA Hall every Monday at 5.30pm. For more information and to book a session, visit Council’s website. The program aims to build a healthier and stronger Sunshine Coast community, and registration is free. Learn more on Council’s website today.

The report indicates that the government’s policy will strip $4.5 billion from community pharmacies over four years, with no reinvestment of the funds, thereby negatively impacting millions of patients. Trent Twomey, President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, called the report a wake-up call for the Federal Government, underscoring the catastrophic nature of the policy’s current form. He expressed concerns over the substantial job losses, the closure of over 650 pharmacies, restricted weekend opening hours, and the elimination of millions of free services.

While acknowledging the Health Minister’s recent commitment to a viable pharmacy network, Twomey urged the government to align their actions with their words. He stressed the importance of realistic consideration of the policy’s impact and the need for thorough discussions with industry stakeholders.

Prioritise heart health

HEARTS4HEART, a leading charity dedicated to raising awareness and support for heart failure recently unveiled an Australian-first resource .

The launch of ‘Understanding Heart Failure: A Practical Guide for all Australians’ marks a significant milestone in the fight against heart failure, a condition affecting up to half a million Australians and ranking as a leading cause of death in our country.

Heart failure, often overlooked compared to other common diseases, claims eight lives every day and is the primary cause of hospitalization for Australians over the age of 65.

Tanya Hall, CEO and founder of hearts4heart, explained the guide provides essential information and tools for individuals living with heart failure to actively manage their condition and enhance their quality of life.

Featuring personal stories, including that of Katrina Tenne, a heart failure patient who initially underestimated her risk, ‘Understanding Heart Failure: A Practical Guide for all Australians’ empowers individuals living with heart failure.

The resource recently launched at Parliament House, provides vital information, bridges knowledge gaps, and enables better management of the condition with the importance of early diagnosis and intervention crucial.

Zen Beauty House

Zen Beauty House is now open in Landsborough in the IGA complex. Owner Sharon has worked in the beauty industry since 1984 and offers a range of services including, facials, piercings (ear and nose only), spray tans, makeup and waxing.

For those with pre-teen girls, she has also started skin care workshops which include advice, tips and techniques and a take home skin care pack.

The gentle, nurturing skin care range she uses is all organic and vegan and is suitable for all skin types and ages - from 11 to 111!

Tracy Mellors

Tracy’s heartfelt belief is that we are all; so much more than any diagnosis, so much more than any particular problem, issue or life transition we may be facing. Tracy looks forward to working together with you in ways that are not only evidence-based, but in ways that are also personally meaningful and helpful to you, inviting more vitality and purpose to your life. Services may be funded through NDIS, private health and self-funded. Tracy also provides supervision to social workers and counsellors. Services are available in Maleny, Caloundra and via phone/online.

OPEN HOURS:

Tues – Fri 10am to 5pm, Sat from 9am

• Spray Tan

• Makeup

Pre-Teen Skin Care Workshops

Ages 11-16 $140

Includes your complete set of Organic, Vegan skin care products to take home.

Boho Asylum

Burn 30 Fitness & PT is new to Glasshouse and will be offering Group classes at Glasshouse Hall from July 11.

Trainer Monique has always had a passion for the fitness industry and has a Cert 3 & 4 in Fitness and is Rumble Fit Certified.

She loves running, boxing and weight training and can’t wait to challenge, push and encourage you to try things out of your comfort zone. Call today to book in a class or check the website for more options for her unique style of PT training sessions.

Boho Asylum is a leader in quality vintage, upcycled, and new fashion and Helen loves being able to offer the finest garments in excellent condition. Helen is passionate about offering a more sustainable solution to the fast-fashion trends by utilising consignment, a method that benefits everyone. She has an exquisite and extensive range of clothing, shoes, handbags, jewellery and accessories, and also offers unique upcycled upholstery items. You can look like a million bucks for a fraction of the price at Boho Asylum while contributing to a more sustainable future in fashion. Let’s make it a trend in the Hinterland!

Acupuncture @ Beerwah

Bernette from Acupuncture @ Beerwah has been a Chinese Medicine Practitioner since 1999 and in Beerwah since 2013. Her qualifications and accreditation include a Bachelor of Health Science (Acupuncture), moxibustion, cupping, Chinese herbs, visible red spectrum laser therapy, Chinese exercise therapy, senior first aid, return-towork certification and work cover provider. Treating all types of ailments such as sciatica, stress and anxiety, fertility and pregnancy issues, chronic pain as well as general wellbeing; she looks forward to assisting people to understand and manage their health issues.

Sustainable Fashions

50 Maple Street, Maleny

• Quality consignment items

• Great labels

• Excellent condition

Open 6 days from 10am

LIKE/FOLLOW

(between Imelda’s of Maleny & Frank Food & Wine)

Bernette 0417 723 944