Guild News Magazine: Pharmacy WA Forum 2023 Special Edition

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President's Message

Welcome to this special Forum edition of Guild News magazine. As the name suggests, this edition is dedicated to The Pharmacy WA Forum 2023, the premier event dedicated to empowering WA pharmacy owners and senior pharmacy professionals. Each year the Forum program focuses on the most relevant and pressing issues currently facing the sector, and this year is no different.

After encountering and surviving the global COVID-19 pandemic and its associated medicines shortages, workforce constraints, additional demand for vaccination and primary healthcare services, community pharmacy faces the ill-conceived 60-day dispensing policy by the Albanese Government.

This policy is entirely dependent on community pharmacies bearing its cost, with even the Commonwealth government’s own assessment identifying the policy will remove $158,000 annually from an average community pharmacy. Two subsequent independent assessments have evaluated the impact as greater than this, at up to $200,000.

Accompanying the policy has been an orchestrated and sustained gaslighting campaign by government MPs which has frustrated, angered, and disparaged pharmacists and effectively demeaned and undervalued community pharmacy.

I have lost count of the number of times a member has forwarded to me ill-informed communications from their local Labor MP, who simply regurgitate, without understanding, pre-prepared statements outlining the purported benefits of the policy as cost-of-living relief, the support it has from irrelevant self-interested groups, claims of reinvesting the resulting savings, and that the policy itself was a recommendation of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee from five years ago. The list goes on.

This is a critical time for the sector. Your ongoing advocacy efforts have been invaluable and the Forum presents your best opportunity to hear the latest advocacy updates, directly from those at the negotiating table.

A year of change

This year marks the first Pharmacy WA Forum under the new leadership of the WA Branch. It was with regret that we accepted Branch Director Matt Tweedie’s decision to finish up in his role at the end of June. Matt has worked tirelessly to support the Guild, the WA Branch and our members for the past 15 years. We

congratulate him on his efforts and his contribution to our sector and wish him well in his future endeavours.

As with every transition though, there are opportunities. We were delighted that Anthony McAnuff accepted our Branch Director role and I and the Branch Committee look forward to working with Anthony across the coming years.

We’ve also seen significant political change this year. Pharmacy WA Forum regular former WA Premier Mark McGowan announced his resignation in late May, after some six years in the position and over twenty-five years as a state MP. The WA Branch had a very positive working relationship with the former Premier and we were very pleased that this extended to his official opening of the last two Pharmacy WA Forums.

The departure resulted in Roger Cook sworn in as the 31st Premier of Western Australia. The WA Branch welcomes Premier Cook to open the Pharmacy WA Forum 2023. The WA Branch has already had several encouraging meetings with the Premier and, as a former Minister for Health, are confident that he understands and values the community pharmacy sector.

Free Flu Program

Western Australia was the first Australian state to conduct a Free Flu Program in 2023, and in its second consecutive year, it has been a great success with over 500 participating. Over 40 percent of all Western Australians who received an influenza vaccination through the state government’s Free Flu 2023 program, did so at a community pharmacy.

Strong demand for pharmacyadministered flu vaccinations has delivered, to the end of June 2023, a level of pharmacy administrations almost equal to that of 2022, and twice the number administered in 2021.

The WA Branch was very pleased to have partnered with the Western Australian Government in this second year of the Free Flu program, and with such strong

support from the public, it has reinforced the importance of community pharmacies in providing an accessible, convenient, and safe vaccination destination.

At a time when there continues to be difficulties accessing other vaccination providers, community pharmacies remain the logical location for vaccination and our involvement continues to deliver positive outcomes for individual patients and to the community.

Looking forward

Through the last twelve months several Australian states have made progress in this area, including for appropriately trained community pharmacists to be able to provide structured prescribing for the continued supply of the oral contraceptive pill and antibiotics for uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women.

The WA Branch continues to work closely with the WA government and the Department of Health on these opportunities, and on ensuring that remuneration models appropriately reflect the value you bring to the healthcare system for these services.

Given the looming threat of 60-day dispensing, the Pharmacy WA Forum 2023 presents the opportunity for the community pharmacy network and our key stakeholders to come together. This event is more important that it has ever been. Early Bird registrations close on Friday 21st July so I urge you to register now to avoid disappointment. Head to www.pharmacywa.com.au to secure your registration.

Andrew Ngeow WA Branch President

Take steps toward a healthy future

From the Director's Desk

I am thrilled to be stepping up as the new Branch Director for the Pharmacy Guild of Australia WA Branch. I embrace the legacy left behind by Matthew Tweedie, and I extend my sincere appreciation to him for his years of service, not only to the Pharmacy Guild of Australia and the WA Branch but to the entire community pharmacy sector in Western Australia. I am honoured to continue the strong relationships and meaningful connections established with all of you, our valued members.

First and foremost, I want to express my gratitude for your unwavering support and participation in the Free Flu program. Your dedication and commitment to improving public health has made the program a resounding success. It is through initiatives like these that we demonstrate the essential role of community pharmacy in delivering vital healthcare services to the community.

As we move forward, we face new challenges, none more so than the Albanese Government's proposed 60-Day Dispensing policy. I want to assure you that the WA Branch will vigorously advocate to maintain member viability in the face of these challenges.

We will continue to leverage our strength in numbers and engage in effective lobbying, strategic partnerships, and proactive involvement with policymakers. By collectively shaping policies, regulations, and standards, we can ensure that community pharmacies remain a cornerstone of accessible and quality healthcare.

In addition to our advocacy efforts, I am committed to supporting our members in expanding your scope of practice. Full scope implementation remains a top priority for the Pharmacy Guild of Australia. Through ongoing education, training, and support, we will empower you to deliver a broader range of appropriately-funded services, enhancing the value and viability of community pharmacies in Western Australia. Together, we can create an environment that allows your expertise and dedication to thrive.

With that in mind, I look forward to welcoming you to the upcoming Pharmacy WA Forum 2023, to be held on Thursday 3rd and Friday 4th August at the luxurious Crown Perth resort. With a bumper program, this event promises to be both informative and engaging.

Our breakout sessions return in 2023 and remain a perennial favourite for good reason. With four breakout streams, featuring a diverse range of speakers and with subjects as varied as retail management, cyber security and heart health, there truly is a session to meet every interest.

I want to draw your attention to one of these compelling breakout sessions: "Unveiling IR Trends: Navigating the Latest Changes in 2023." This breakout session will feature our very own WA Branch Industrial Relations Officer, Kate Hall, who will shed light on significant changes in the workforce, including parental leave, family and domestic violence leave, contractual terms, flexible working arrangements, and other critical updates.

Kate's expertise and insights will undoubtedly prove invaluable, empowering you to navigate these changes with confidence. Want to catch another session? Why not bring a colleague (or two) and take advantage of our generous 2 and 3-person discounted delegate packages.

I extend my warmest welcome to all members to join us at the Pharmacy WA Forum 2023.

As a final note, I would like to take this opportunity to remind all members that

it's time for your annual membership renewals. For your convenience, this year marks a milestone as we introduce online renewal processing through your myGuild account. This streamlined process will save you time and effort, ensuring you can continue to enjoy the benefits of being a Guild member without any hassle.

Thank you for your continued support; I am honoured to serve as your Branch Director. Together, we will continue to shape a bright future for our profession and community.

Anthony McAnuff WA Branch Director

THURSDAY 3 AUG 2023

8:30AM REGISTRATION

8:40AM DISPLAY OPENS (ARRIVAL COFFEE)

8.55AM Opening and Welcome Forum opening and welcome

9.00AM Official opening address by WA Premier, The Hon. Roger Cook MLA

WA Premier Roger Cook will officially open the Forum by outlining his commitment to community pharmacy. As former Minister for Health, Roger has been a vocal supporter of community pharmacies, recognising them as an important part of the healthcare system and as an important mechanism for improving access to healthcare for all Western Australians.

9.20AM Your inspiration – Justin Langer

Join us for an inspiring session with renowned cricket legend Justin Langer. Justin will share his remarkable journey of managing through crisis, drawing from his personal experiences during the 2018 Sandpaper gate scandal. Discover Justin’s strategies for effectively managing pressure, both on and off the field, and learn how to stay composed and focused in highstakes environments.

10.15AM MORNING TEA

10.50AM Your Guild – Trent Twomey & Anthony Tassone

Join Trent Twomey, National President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, and Anthony Tassone, Chair of the Health Economics & Policy Committee, for a vital session on Guild advocacy. Discover how community pharmacy can fight against the proposed 60 Day Dispensing Policy and gain insights into the planned strategy for achieving Full Scope of Practice. Stay informed and be part of shaping the future of pharmacy practice.

11.55AM Future Solutions - Full Scope - Zoe Girdis

What does Full Scope Mean? What conditions fit within Community Pharmacy’s Full Scope of Practice?

How is international experience informing the vision for Full Scope in Australia?

In this session you will discover answers to these questions, learn to prepare for, gain insights into rollout strategies, and uncover the tangible benefits that full scope of practice will bring to patients.

12.45PM LUNCH

THURSDAY 3 AUG 2023

1.50PM Industry Panel session – Shaping the Path Ahead: Pharmacy’s Outlook for the Next 12 Months – facilitated by Natalie Willis

Discover what lies on the horizon for the pharmacy sector in this engaging panel discussion. Our industry experts will delve into the anticipated challenges and exciting opportunities that await in the coming year.

3.00PM AFTERNOON TEA

3.35PM Banking & The Economy: Unleashing the Financial Revolution – Matt Braysher

Explore the future of money, disruptive technologies, and transformative opportunities reshaping our financial landscape. Don’t miss this captivating session.

4.15PM

What can we achieve when called upon? - Nigel Brennan

In August 2008, Nigel Brennan embarked on a perilous journey to report on the harsh realities of Somalia, a country abandoned by the international community amidst conflict, food insecurity, and drought. Unbeknownst to him, the price of telling this story would be 15 months in captivity. Alongside four others, Brennan was kidnapped by a criminal gang while enroute to a camp for internally displaced people. After enduring months of captivity, Brennan made a courageous decision to escape, transforming the dynamics of the situation from uncomfortable to dark and torturous. Despite the physical and mental scars, Brennan’s unwavering self-belief and sense of humour allowed him to recover and establish himself as a bestselling author, public speaker, yoga teacher, advisor, and consultant in extortion response.

5.00PM COCKTAIL EVENT UNTIL 7.00PM GRAND BALLROOM

FRIDAY 4 AUG 2023

8:30AM DISPLAY OPENS (ARRIVAL COFFEE)

9.00AM Leadership and culture for happiness – Julian Pace

Want to lead with happiness? Get ready to be inspired by Julian Pace, award winning speaker and founder of Happiness Co. Through practical tools and pre-emptive approaches, Julian has empowered individuals and transformed the mental health and happiness of organisations across various sectors. In this session, Julian will share insights on how taking responsibility for happiness and wellbeing can positively impact your pharmacy.

Brace yourself for an extraordinary experience as Julian delves into the realms of happiness, pre-emptive mental health, leadership, mentorship, and peak performance.

10.05AM MORNING TEA

10.45AM BREAKOUT SESSIONS

Pharmacy Management

Clinical Technology Investment & Finance

CROWN BALLROOM 1+2

Unveiling IR Trends: Navigating the Latest Changes in 2023

Explore the significant legislative changes that have shaped the IR landscape in the last 12 months. Gain a brief yet comprehensive overview and ensure your pharmacy stays in compliance with the evolving legislation.

Kate Hall

CROWN BALLROOM 3A

Using nutrients to support cardiometabolic health

We have also seen an increase in those with cardio metabolic conditions, requiring additional and multiple medications to keep their conditions in check.

This session will examine the use of evidence based complementary medicines, looking at how we can improve the health and lives of your patients.

Tracee Blythe

CROWN BALLROOM 3B

Safeguarding Against Cyber Threats

Don’t miss this invaluable opportunity to learn from a seasoned cybersecurity expert and gain insights into safeguarding against cyber threats.

Matt Sear

CROWN BALLROOM 3C

The Valuation impact of 60-Day Dispensing

This session will be about how 60 Day dispensing has impacted valuations, how we are now approaching valuation and the current challenges we are facing.

John Thornett

FRIDAY 4 AUG 2023

11.35AM BREAKOUT SESSIONS

CROWN BALLROOM 1+2

Retail – where the rubber hits the road.

Discover the blueprint for retail excellence and flawless in-store execution! Avoid pitfalls and achieve outstanding results.

Mal Scrymgeour

CROWN BALLROOM 3A

Wound care for pharmacists

In this practical session delegates will be guided through wound cleansing and the application of topical antimicrobial dressings.

Lusi Sheehan

12.15PM BREAKOUT SESSIONS

Full Scope: Building Your Business Case

From service selection to pricing and workflow considerations, this practical session explores how to convert full scope opportunity into profitability.

Andria Aird

The gut microbiota and bone axis – supporting patients to maintain their bone density with clinically proven probiotics

This session will discuss the latest research on the gut microbiota and bone axis, and how probiotics can be used to support bone health.

Rebecca Edwards

CROWN BALLROOM 3B

Optimising patient outcomes with MedAdvisor

Learn how MedAdvisor can be used to improve medication adherence, prevent adverse drug events, and improve communication with patients.

Dung Truong

Digital Media Mastery: Amplifying Your Pharmacy’s Influence Beyond Four Walls

This session explores how pharmacies can harness the power of digital media to engage with patients beyond physical boundaries.

Sarah Rendell

CROWN BALLROOM 3C

Smart Investments: How to make every dollar work

Make every dollar count. Learn how you can maximise your investments in this session from investment expert Romano Sala Tenna.

Romano Sala Tenna

Ownership masterclass

Taken from the CommBank Health Masterclass series, this session explores the critical aspects of pharmacy acquisition, day-today operations, and effective management techniques.

Kim McCauley & John Chew

1.00PM LUNCH

1.50PM CROWN BALLROOM 1+2

The leadership banana skin – Malcolm Scrymgeour

Get ready to uncover the secrets of effective leadership and successfully navigate change in this engaging session. Explore the critical tasks required to rally your team and establish yourself as an exceptional leader. Dive into essential topics, including the significance of organisational culture, the importance of business values, and understanding your role in the DiSC model to effectively manage your team. Additionally, master the ADKAR process for leading and managing transformative initiatives. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your leadership skills and equip yourself with the tools to overcome the challenges of change.

FRIDAY 4 AUG 2023

Amber-Jade Sanderson has been a strong advocate for community pharmacy and has spoken about the importance of pharmacists in providing accessible and affordable healthcare to Western Australians. Since taking over the Health portfolio we have seen an expansion of pharmacist scope. Will there be more to come?

The Pharmacy Guild of Australia and the Forum Organising Committee would like to thank and acknowledge our sponsors. Without their support the Pharmacy WA Forum would not be possible.

2.50PM Closing Address from WA Health Minister - The Hon. Amber Jade Sanderson MLA

3.20PM REFRESHMENTS AND CLOSE CROWN BALLROOM 1+2 (FOYER)

SILVER BRONZE

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1. Looking for ways to increase revenue and profit for your pharmacy?

2. Worried that your pharmacy isn’t standing out in the ever-crowded pharmacy sector?

3. Concerned that you don’t seem to be tapping into the latest trends in the health and wellness market?

4. Keen to introduce new categories, new services and new products for the changing market, but don’t know where to start?

5. Looking for the next big thing in pharmacy?

Are you: IS 2023 THE YEAR THAT YOU ARE GOING TO MAKE A CHANGE FOR THE BETTER? IT IS TIME TO diversify!

WholeLife Pharmacy and Healthfoods is Australia’s leading health and wellbeing pharmacy destination. We have a proven pharmacy model that has been shown to support increased revenue and profit for established pharmacies driving new foot traffic, larger basket sizes and increased customer frequency.WholeLife is transforming the future of retail pharmacy and providing our store owners with the opportunity to diversify, expand and future proof their businesses, as the market for wholistic and healthy living continues to grow.

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MENTALLY HEALTHY WORKPLACES by Julian Pace

Happy people are the key to a sustainable & productive workforce. Happiness Co gets to work with some of the biggest companies across Australia, helping them improve the quality of their people’s lives by creating a culture of happiness, belonging and a positive focus on mental health.

Thursday 14th September is RUOK day; it’s an important day of the year absolutely, because it brings a heap of awareness to mental health.

One of the many things I love about my job is helping people understand personal performance. Which is all about how we feel, think and behave.

One of the things we always talk about with our clients is the way the world is changing. There is a huge focus on sustainability, environment, inclusion; just to name a few. So a great question we ask people is, what’s your impact on the environment? But an even greater question is what is your impact on your people? Are they thriving and happy people or are they burnt out and stressed…?

I’m a true believer in this… every single business and employer makes a difference in this world, the only question is, do you make a good one or not.

One of the things that has become apparent since COVID has begun is people are wanting

health problem.

The impact of this is enormous, affecting workplace productivity, performance, and employee wellbeing.

Given that the average Australian worker will spend close to a

encouraged to talk openly about mental health, seek support and look to take proactive action to make positive changes.

I love seeing so many organisations working towards positive changes for their employees.

5 tips to create a healthy workplace culture:

1. Prioritise preventative measures

Make it easy for people to ask for support and share their struggles. People become unhappy before depressed, and overwhelmed before hitting burnout. Have a plan in place to ensure the emotional and mental wellbeing of your team is prioritised with the intention of prevention. When we feel better, we take better action.

2. Have an inclusive approach

Ensure that HR processes and procedures are crowdsourced or openly contributed to by your people. Created by your people, for your people. This helps to ensure your processes are personalised to your team.

3. Be flexible and progressive

Standard box ticking is incredibly important, but more important is the ability to be flexible in your approaches. When it comes to people, positive culture and a mentally healthy workplace – a one size fits all approach won’t work! Every employee’s circumstances are different and it’s important to be able to be flexible to meet the needs of your team.

4. Provide growth and training opportunities

Place emphasis on effective communication training and development of trust in your team. Your relationships are determined by the quality of your communication, and respect and trust are a direct result of the ability to be able to effectively

communicate. Better communication = better relationships = better outcomes.

5. Use the power of praise

Recognise workplace positive culture champions! A culture champion is someone who believes in, supports and cultivates a positive workplace culture. They inspire and influence others to make better choices and create positive change in your workplace.

Julian Pace is a Mental Health advocate. Through his social enterprise, Happiness Co, Julian has partnered with major organisations in Australia and diverse sectors, including corporates, justice institutions, mental health entities, schools, and non-profits.

Don't miss Julian's Forum session "Leadership and culture for happiness" on Friday 4th August. Register now at www.pharmacywa.com.au.

Business Support Navigating the Opioid Dependence Treatment (ODT)

Community Pharmacy Program

On the 1st July 2023 the Opioid Dependence Treatment (ODT) program in community pharmacy underwent a significant change with ODT medicines (Methadone oral liquid, Buprenorphine sublingual tablets, Buprenorphine + Naloxone sublingual films, Long-acting injectable buprenorphine products) being listed on the PBS under Section 100 Highly Specialised Drugs (HSD) Program arrangements.

The ODT Community Pharmacy Program was implemented in a compressed timeframe, creating new challenges for pharmacists. With the program now well underway, it is important to remember that the following documents must be retained for seven years:

; ODT prescriptions as proof patient was prescribed ODT program medicine/s.

; Copy of the PPA patient consent form.

; Records showing the date(s) of provision of medicine instalments as a part of the ODT Community Pharmacy Program, e.g. dosing pick-up sheets, dispensing records recorded in software platforms or ODT Staged Supply Service Temporary Data Capture Form.

The Business Support pharmacists at the Pharmacy Guild of Australia WA Branch are assisting members with various queries such as the extension of prescriptions, private supply of ODT and management of stock issues.

Prescription Extensions

If a prescription was written before 1st July 2023 and the patient requires an extension to the prescription, the doctor can verbally extend the validity of the patients' prescription. How the extension is recorded will depend on the original PBS prescription dispensed:

• Streamlined Authority prescriptions with ≤ 1 repeat and below the maximum quantity can be amended in your dispensing software to include an additional repeat.

• Authority Required prescriptions that are above the PBS Schedule maximum quantity cannot be amended or extended. The prescriber will be required to send through a new PBS prescription prior to the patients' current prescription being exhausted.

Private Supply of ODT

It is still possible for pharmacies to supply ODT to patients privately. To do this the prescription must be dispensed privately and the ODT Community Pharmacy Program Staged Supply Fee cannot be claimed.

The patient will incur their medication dispensed privately and any pharmacy dosing fees.

Stock Management Tips

If a patient misses a dose, the patient is still eligible to receive the missed dose upon next presentation. For this reason, it is important that pharmacies keep track of patient’s medication allocation electronically or via a paper recording system. The next prescription should not be dispensed until the remaining patient allocation has been supplied.

If the missed dose was pre-prepared, professional judgement should be used to determine if the dose is returned to available stock or destroyed. Any pre-prepared doses can be claimed as an instore or take-away dose under the ODT Community Pharmacy Program. When the missed dose has not been pre-prepared, the stock remains in the pharmacy's inventory and the dose cannot be claimed under the ODT Community Pharmacy Program.

When a patient presents a new ODT prescription, intended to supersede the current prescription, the remaining quantity of medication on the previous prescription should be returned to pharmacy stock.

ARE YOU READY TO AMPLIFY YOUR PHARMACY'S INFLUENCE BEYOND ITS FOUR WALLS? by

Are you ready to amplify your pharmacy's influence beyond its four walls? Join me at the Pharmacy Forum where I'll be presenting on the topic of Digital Media Mastery.

In our conversations, pharmacies have consistently expressed their dedication to enhancing the patient experience. They eagerly share their ongoing initiatives, including training programs, merchandising tactics, and customer service strategies aimed at creating exceptional instore visits.

I firmly believe that these efforts have a significant impact on driving revenue growth. However, there's a vital aspect that we mustn't overlook—the patient experience extends far beyond the physical confines of a pharmacy. Experience encompasses the knowledge, skills,

Sarah Rendell

and understanding gained through direct involvement, participation, and exposure to various events, activities, or situations over time. It shapes individuals' perception of the world, incorporating practical encounters and personal perspectives.

Hence, assuming that a patient's perception of a pharmacy is solely based on in-store visits would be a mistake. External factors like marketing, word of mouth, and promotions also shape how patients perceive a pharmacy.

That's why I urge pharmacies to explore ways to engage with their patients beyond their physical store. And here's the secret: digital platforms are the key to unlocking that potential.

Research by Deloitte reveals those small businesses embracing digital marketing strategies experience nearly three times better revenue growth expectancy than those neglecting digital engagement. Imagine the power of leveraging digital media platforms such as social media, websites, and email marketing.

exceptional tools to connect with their target audience, establish brand awareness, and foster customer loyalty. Now, I understand that the idea of utilising various digital tools like websites, email marketing, and social media may seem daunting. But fear not— I'm here to guide you through this process!

The key lies in replicating the in-store patient

consultant available on Thursdays.

To extend this experience digitally, we can create educational blog posts on baby health, utilise social media to educate patients about the benefits of consulting a lactation expert, and optimise your website with customised information that attracts patients seeking advice for their babies.

By seamlessly mirroring the in-store experience through digital means, you can effectively engage with your patients beyond the physical boundaries of your pharmacy.

Digital platforms possess incredible potential when strategically utilised. They empower you to showcase your patient experience and demonstrate the value your pharmacy offers.

As humans, we naturally prioritise our personal interests and seek to understand how a business can benefit us individually.

That's precisely why digital platforms serve as a captivating resume, providing a glimpse of what people can expect when they engage with your pharmacy as a business.

Let me illustrate the incredible power of digital channels with a real-life example from a pharmacy I recently collaborated with. This pharmacy had not fully explored the potential of social media before. However, by working together, we implemented a simple yet effective system to create engaging content for Facebook and Instagram, aiming to promote their patient experience digitally.

Given their strong focus on providing health services, we strategically highlighted those services in our social media efforts. The outcome? A remarkable 29% growth in a specific service that we actively communicated about through social media.

This statistic showcases the significant impact that leveraging digital platforms can have on a pharmacy's growth and success.

By effectively utilising social media channels, we were able to amplify their reach and engage with their target audience, resulting in tangible business growth and an enhanced patient experience.

Are you ready to unlock the

potential of digital channels for your pharmacy and achieve remarkable results?

Join me as I delve deeper into Digital Media Mastery at the Pharmacy Forum, where I'll share more success stories and practical strategies that can take your pharmacy to new heights.

Sarah Rendell is Head of Marketing & Communications at Peak Strategies Ltd.

Don't miss Sarah's Forum session "Digital Media Mastery: Amplifying Your Pharmacy's Influence Beyond Four Walls" on Friday 4th August.

Register now at www.pharmacywa.com.au