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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 2024, 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.
As I begin drafting my President’s Message each year, it is with the recognition that the past year has presented numerous challenges for the owners and staff of Western Australian community pharmacies.
Last year, I started with the reflection: “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 60day dispensing policy by the Albanese Government.”
While the past twelve months have certainly brought their own set of challenges, I am genuinely optimistic as we approach the Pharmacy WA Forum 2024. Our operational environment has improved significantly compared to a year ago, and there are numerous opportunities on the horizon if we are willing to embrace them.
A Positive Shift with the 8th Community Pharmacy Agreement
The recently announced 8th Community Pharmacy Agreement (8CPA) has provided a much-needed boost to our sector. The 8CPA commits $26.44 billion in funding, including $24.55 billion for dispensing remuneration, surpassing the $21.61 billion of total funding in the 7CPA.
Feedback from our members has been overwhelmingly positive, particularly regarding the increases in dispensing remuneration, professional service programs funding, and allocations to the Regional Pharmacy Maintenance Allowance (RPMA) Program.
We are excited to host key members of the 8CPA negotiating team at the
Forum. They will provide detailed insights into the agreement and explain how members can access the funding and services which your representatives negotiated so hard to achieve.
Expanding Pharmacist Services
Over the past year, we have also seen significant expansions in pharmacist services. The WA government authorised the Pharmacist Initiated Treatment of Urinary Tract Infection, announced at the Pharmacy WA Forum in August 2023.
Over 500 community pharmacies have since delivered over 7,000 UTI treatments. Additionally, in May 2024, the pharmacist resupply of prescribed oral contraceptive pills was approved.
These services highlight the essential role of community pharmacies as a primary healthcare option for patients.
Advances in Pharmacist Scope of Practice
Western Australia, like other Australian states and territories, is making strides in expanding the scope of practice for pharmacists. The Commonwealth government is currently conducting a Scope of Practice Review, examining the barriers and incentives health practitioners face in primary care. The final report of this review is scheduled for release before the end of the year.
In the meantime, the WA Branch has chosen not to wait for the review's recommendations, rather we are working closely with the WA government and the Department of Health on introducing models of care which are sustainable for the sector long term.
Upcoming Challenges and Opportunities
However, it is important to acknowledge the significant challenges we will face in the coming months. On September 1, the third tranche of 60-day dispensing medicines will be introduced, bringing the total number of medicines in the program to around 300.
A month later, on October 1, the down-scheduling of nicotinecontaining vapes takes effect. The Pharmacy Guild has made its position on this reform clear and reminds members that individual pharmacies have discretion on stocking and supplying vaping products.
Returning to opportunity however, I believe the coming year will further enhance the value of community pharmacy to patients and the broader healthcare system.
I look forward to seeing you at the Pharmacy WA Forum 2024 on August 8 and 9 to discuss these developments and opportunities.
ANDREW NGEOW WA Branch President
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From the Director's Desk
2024 marks our fifteenth Pharmacy WA Forum event. I look forward to welcoming all our members to what has become the state’s premier pharmacy event. This year’s Forum program is designed to provide delegates with essential information for your business.
Fifteen years of The Pharmacy WA Forum
A highlight of the Forum will be the 8CPA session, featuring key members of the 8CPA Negotiating Committee. They will provide exclusive insights into the new 8CPA agreement, which promises increased funding, CPI indexation on fees, and a strong commitment to regional pharmacies, ensuring stability and growth for our profession.
Our "Roadmap for Full Scope of Pharmacy Practice" session will feature presenters with extensive practical experience who will discuss the requirements, benefits, and viability of integrating expanded services into their community pharmacies.
Returning this year are the popular breakout sessions, featuring four streams with twelve dedicated sessions across clinical, investment and finance, pharmacy management, and technology topics.
A future for the Free Influenza Vaccine Program
The third edition of the WA Government’s Free Influenza Vaccine Program has concluded, with community pharmacists administering nearly 240,000 influenza vaccines in May and June.
While overall vaccination numbers were down compared to the same period in 2023—a trend observed nationwide—the total number of influenza vaccinations through WA’s community pharmacies during the two-month free influenza program has increased by over 50% since 2022, driven by strong patient demand.
The WA Branch firmly believes that an annual influenza program is a
valuable investment for the WA government. We were pleased to see $8.2 million allocated in this year’s state budget to continue the free influenza vaccination program in 2025.
We remain in discussions to secure a multi-year commitment, which will greatly assist the WA Department of Health, vaccine providers, and patients in the procurement, management, and administration of flu vaccines.
Elections & Advocacy
This year’s Pharmacy WA Forum also marks the countdown to two significant elections. The State General Election is set for March 8, 2025. Federally, the next election for a half-Senate and House of Representatives can be called between this August and May 2025.
Elections are always a time of key advocacy activity. The WA Branch continues to engage with all political parties, to promote the value of the sector. As we did prior to the last State General Election, we will be developing a policy platform and seeking support for this from all major political parties.
Meet the team
At the Forum, I encourage members to visit the WA Branch stand and speak with our dedicated staff. I frequently receive positive feedback about the support they provide to members. The Forum is an ideal opportunity to meet the team who deliver practical business support to members across Western Australia.
These services are always available, and I encourage you to take full advantage of them.
Thank you
Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our valued members for your ongoing support. I am incredibly proud that the WA Branch has the highest rate of membership within the Guild, which I firmly believe is a testament to the service provided by our business support, industrial relations and communications teams.
I’d also like to acknowledge Cathie Marshall, a long service member of the WA Branch, and more recently the Australian College of Pharmacy. Cathie is well known to members and a key reason that many accessed the vocational training programs offered by the Guild and the Australian College of Pharmacy. Cathie has moved on to other employment and I’m sure you’ll join me in thanking her for her service to the WA Branch and also in wishing her all the best into the future.
I look forward to seeing you at the Pharmacy WA Forum 2024.
WA Branch Director
Don't Miss These Inspiring Key-note speakers:
Kurt Fearnley, Paralympic Gold Medallist
Hear Kurt's incredible journey, from dominating the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games to crawling the 96km Kokoda Track. A session not to be missed!
Amanda Rose, Entrepreneur & Small Business Advocate
Want to unlock your leadership potential? Find out how with not one, but two, transformational key-note sessions.
Dr Marny Lishman, Psychologist, Author & Media Commentator
How can you and your team achieve your full potential?
Discover a suite of evidence-based tools and techniques to manage your mindset in this illuminating session.
Destination WA
Journey through the diverse landscapes of our beautiful state at The Forum's Destination WA Cocktail Event. Savour the unique flavours of WA with culinary delights that reflect its rich heritage and vibrant culture. Featuring delicious catering and captivating performances, this networking highlight celebrates the spirit of Western Australia.
Registration includes: * Entry to all sessions * Conference Program * Registration pack * Arrival tea & coffee * Morning & Afternoon refreshments * Lunch both days * Cocktail Function
2 & 3 Person
Delegate Packages Available
8:30AM REGISTRATION
8:40AM DISPLAY OPENS (ARRIVAL COFFEE)
8.45AM 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 reaffirming his dedication to advancing community pharmacy. Minister Cook has long recognised the crucial role of community pharmacy in improving access to healthcare for all Western Australians.
9.20AM YOUR INSPIRATION
– Kurt Fearnley AO
Join us for an inspiring keynote by Australian wheelchair racer Kurt Fearnley AO. As a winner of prestigious marathons worldwide and a Paralympic gold medallist, Kurt’s achievements are extraordinary. Hear his incredible journey, from dominating the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games to crawling the 96km Kokoda Track.
10.20AM MORNING TEA
11.00AM YOUR GUILD & THE 8CPA UPDATE – Anthony
Join Anthony Tassone, Chair of the Health Economics & Policy Committee, for the latest Guild updates including a comprehensive overview of the 8CPA rollout.
12.00PM WHOLESALER UPDATE
The wholesalers will outline the latest updates impacting the wholesaler networking, including the Community Service Obligation (CSO) negotiations, AI, operational efficiencies, and delivery models, including to rural and remote pharmacies.
12.25PM LUNCH
1.25PM EXPANDING HORIZONS: A ROADMAP FOR FULL SCOPE PHARMACY PRACTICE
Join our expert panel as they explore the transformative potential of full scope pharmacy practice, drawing on insights from the Queensland Scope of Practice Pilot Program. Topics include the necessary upskilling for pharmacists, integrating full scope services into existing practices, and the benefits and challenges of pharmacist prescribing. The panel will also discuss community engagement, achieving staff support, assessing the viability of full scope practices, and managing associated liabilities. An essential session for anyone interested in the future of pharmacist prescribing and its role in Australian healthcare.
2.25PM AFTERNOON TEA
3.05PM WHY MINDSET MATTERS
IN THE CHANGING WORKPLACE – Dr Marny Lishman
Is your organisation experiencing change, going through stressful times, or are staff not operating to their fullest potential? This session provides a suite of evidence-based tools & techniques to manage your mind to adapt to change and still perform at your best despite the regular organisational pivots.
4.05PM FROM SETBACKS TO SUCCESS: A 42-YEAR
QUEST FOR ACHIEVEMENT – Mick Colliss
As a young kid, Mick Colliss always wanted to represent Australia. After 42 years of trying, he finally achieved his dream. Just not in the way you might think. A laugh-out-loud true story that gives hope to us all.
5.00PM - 7.00PM COCKTAIL EVENT
Tassone
100% PURE GLUCOJOY!
8:40AM DISPLAY OPENS (ARRIVAL COFFEE)
9.00AM OFFICIAL OPENING ADDRESS BY WA HEALTH MINISTER –
The Hon. Amber Jade Sanderson MLA Amber-Jade Sanderson is a steadfast advocate for community pharmacy, highlighting the pivotal role of pharmacists in providing accessible and affordable healthcare to Western Australians. Minister Sanderson has approved both pharmacist UTI and OCP programs in the last year. This is your opportunity to thank her and hear her vision for community pharmacy in 2025.
9.10AM EMPOWERMENT THROUGH LEADERSHIP:
BUILDING LASTING CONFIDENCE AND INFLUENCE – Amanda Rose
Small business advocate and entrepreneur, Amanda Rose, shows you how to unlock your leadership potential. Gain insights into effective communication, positive culture building, and time management essentials. Elevate your leadership capabilities and organisational impact in this transformative session!
10.05 AM MORNING TEA
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
PHARMACY MANAGEMENT CROWN BALLROOM 3A
Right to Disconnect & Beyond: Decoding 2024 Workplace Relations Changes for Pharmacies Kate Hall
&
3B
Getting your house in order – preparing your pharmacy for sale John Thornett
The Confident BossLady
Founder of Small Businesswomen Australia, Amanda Rose, shares strategies to help women in business build confidence, make bold decisions, and succeed even in challenging times.
Amanda Rose
Ready, Set, Assess
Discover how to effectively prepare your pharmacy for the return of onsite QCPP assessments.
Joanne Arbuckle
A buyers guide to pharmacy automation
Discover how to evaluate if pharmacy automation aligns with your business needs and financial goals. Matt Palumbo
Data is King: so what is your pharmacy data telling you? Discover strategies to optimise operations, improve patient care, and drive business growth using your data.
Priya Narsing, Max Mito
BALLROOM 3C
Do we need AI to serve customers better? Learn how pharmacies are using various solutions together to create an amazing customer experience Paul Naismith
Streamlining Pharmacy Operations with MedAdvisor
Learn how to incorporate 8CPA programs into your pharmacy’s workflow, explore upcoming features, and leverage MedAdvisor for delivering UTI and OCP services. Dung Truong
Pharmacy Rent Revolution
Hear the story behind LeaseMap and how it can save your pharmacy money and support your business growth
David Halvorsen
BALLROOM 1 & 2
Menopause: challenging taboos, changing the conversation, and the value of investing in an underserved market
Andria Aird
Hands-On Wound care
Explore skin tears and wound care with practical case studies on initial consultation, care techniques, and dressing applications.
Jane Guermanoff
From Gut to Goodnight: Unveiling the ProbioticSleep Connection
Gain practical tips and evidence-based insights to help your patients achieve a restful night’s sleep. Tracee Blythe 1.10
2.00 PM INNOVATION AS A WAY OF LIFE – Andy Lamb
Innovation is all about cultural change. How can you open the doors to support new ideas and creative thinking whilst keeping the existing business operating successfully? Learn what other organisations have done to push through the traditional 12-month lifecycle of innovation theatre.
2.55 PM CLOSING ADDRESS – Anthony McAnuff
3.00 PM REFRESHMENTS AND CLOSE
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YOUR GUIDE TO THE PHARMACY WA FORUM 2024
The Pharmacy WA Forum 2024 is just around the corner, and this year promises to be our most engaging and informative event yet. Set for August 8th-9th at Crown Perth, the Forum is packed with opportunities.
Here’s how you can make the most out of your two-day experience and some key highlights you won’t want to miss.
PLAN YOUR AGENDA
With a full schedule of keynote speeches, breakout sessions, and networking events, planning ahead is crucial. Review the Forum’s agenda and identify the sessions most relevant to your interests and professional needs.
ENGAGE WITH KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
This year's lineup of keynote speakers is truly exceptional, featuring WA Premier Roger Cook, Paralympic champion Kurt Fearnley AO, leadership expert Amanda Rose, organisational psychologist Dr. Marny Lishman, innovation strategist Andy Lamb, and media personality Mick Colliss. Each speaker brings a wealth of experience and actionable insights.
TAILOR YOUR EXPERIENCE
Whether you're keen to explore new technologies, learn about investment strategies, or stay updated on clinical practices, the Forum has something for everyone. Our popular breakout streams return, offering expertled sessions across diverse topics, including:
- Pharmacy Management: Navigate workplace relations changes, join the interactive women in business session and get set for QCPP success.
- Investment & Finance: Learn how to prepare your pharmacy for sale and understand the benefits of pharmacy automation.
- Technology: Explore how AI can enhance customer service and streamline operations with tools like MedAdvisor.
- Clinical: Dive into a hands-on session on wound care, hear the latest developments in treating patients with menopause, and explore the probiotic-sleep connection.
MEET THE TEAM
The Forum is a perfect opportunity to catch up with the WA Branch Business Support team, who will be available throughout the two-day event. You can find them at the Guild trade stand, ready to provide advice and support.
NETWORK WITH PEERS
The Forum is an excellent opportunity to connect with your peers and industry leaders. Engage in discussions during breaks, attend the cocktail event, and make use of the trade exhibition to meet contacts and suppliers from across the industry.
DON'T MISS THESE INSPIRING SPEAKERS
VISIT THE TRADE EXHIBITION
Why not start the day with a complimentary coffee from the Barista carts, courtesy of Wizard Pharmacy! Once fuelled up explore the trade exhibition, where you can meet with leading suppliers and discover the latest products and services.
EARN CPD CREDITS
By attending The Pharmacy WA Forum 2024, delegates are eligible to record up to 9 unaccredited Group 1 CPD credits. Full details on claiming Group 2 CPD credits will be available in the Forum Delegate Handbook.
EXCLUSIVE MEMBER BENEFITS
Many Guild members have already taken advantage of our exclusive 2 & 3-person delegate package deals, but if you are still to register, hurry as places are filling fast!
UTILISE YOUR DELEGATE HANDBOOK
Each delegate will receive a delegate handbook, which we encourage everyone to use to document key takeaways from each session. This resource will help you consolidate what you’ve learnt and provide a reference for implementing new ideas in your pharmacy.
TAKEAWAYS
Be prepared to leave the Forum with fresh ideas, renewed motivation, and a host of practical tools and strategies for you to apply in your business.
We look forward to seeing you there!
PREMIER OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA
EMPOWERING PHARMACY - ENDORSING YOURSELF FOR CHANGE
by Sarah Rendell
I hope this article inspires you to delve deeper into this subject for your own pharmacy.
At first glance, you might think, "I don't want to get involved in politics," or "How can my small community pharmacy make a difference?"
Well, I'm here to present several compelling reasons why every community pharmacy should integrate advocacy into their marketing strategy.
1. The Future of Pharmacy Needs Advocacy
Pharmacists are uniquely positioned to champion the future of their field. In Western Australia, we've recently seen significant advances in patient care, such as UTI prescribing and access to oral contraceptives.
These milestones were achieved through concerted efforts by community pharmacies and other stakeholders, who networked, educated, and reached out to key decisionmakers like local MPs to demonstrate the benefits to the community.
If we want to fully realise the potential of our industry and
provide the best care for our patients, we need to advocate for it.
From a marketing perspective, increased advocacy can lead to greater opportunities, ultimately driving more patient bookings and store traffic—a win-win situation.
2. Leveraging Relationships
Word-of-mouth is an incredibly powerful marketing tactic, responsible for about 90% of all purchases. However, community pharmacies face restrictions from APHRA regarding patient reviews.
A workaround is to highlight your existing relationships with community stakeholders. Local MPs, for instance, have substantial influence and often maintain active social media profiles with large followings.
Imagine the impact of an MP commenting on a health service you provide or posting a photo of your team. This can serve as a strong form of word-of-mouth referral, amplifying your reach and credibility.
3. Showcasing Community Ties
One of my core philosophies in local marketing for pharmacies is the importance of networking beyond the four walls of your store. Advocacy allows you to demonstrate your commitment to your patients' health and your willingness to go the extra mile.
By engaging in advocacy, you're not only networking, but also showing your community how passionate you are about their well-being.
This sets you apart from competitors and builds stronger, trust-based relationships with your patients.
policymakers and industry leaders, you can stay ahead of regulatory changes and emerging trends.
This proactive stance allows you to implement cutting-edge services and adapt to new standards more swiftly than your competitors. Marketing these innovations showcases your pharmacy as a forward-thinking, dynamic business, fostering growth and ensuring long-term success.
So, there you have it. Integrating advocacy into your marketing strategy isn't just beneficial—it's essential.
Sarah Rendell is Head of Marketing & Communications at Peak Strategies Ltd.
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Business Support Update
Administration of Injectable Prescription Medicines by Pharmacists
The Medicines and Poisons Regulation Branch has advised that suitably trained pharmacists can administer dispensed injectable medicines to patients. Members are alerted to review this advice emailed to pharmacy businesses and subscribers on 28 June 2024 for detailed information.
Pharmacists offering this service should familiarise themselves with the PSA Guidelines for pharmacists administering medicines by injection and the PSA Practice Guidelines for pharmacists providing immunisation services.
As per the guidelines, pharmacists wishing to inject dispensed medicines must meet their professional responsibilities, personal competencies, and scope of practice. We advise that pharmacists seek advice from their professional indemnity insurance provider prior to offering this service.
PDL have published a practice alert on Administering medicines by injection to provide support and resources to their members.
8CPA Programs Calculator now available
The 8CPA Pharmacy Programs Remunerations Calculator is now ready for use. It's the second of two calculators created by the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, in collaboration with NostraData, and is designed to provide a detailed breakdown of your remuneration by programs.
If you haven't already done so, we encourage you to explore the Dispense Remuneration Calculator launched in early July. It is there to help you understand your individual pharmacy’s dispensing remuneration outcomes.
The new calculator tools reflect the Guild’s continuing efforts toward providing efficient and effective business support solutions for pharmacies.
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