PHARMACISTS and other industry stakeholders are being invited to register for the National Medicines Symposium (NMS) 2023, which is for the first time being hosted by the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Healthcare (ACSQH) (PD 05 Jul).
The event is scheduled to take place online online on Wed 08 Nov, focusing on the future of medicines and sustainability, with a range of experts, policymakers and thought leaders from around the world presenting "on how appropriate use of medicines can contribute to a sustainable healthcare system".
Attendees will gain an insight into the impact of pharmaceutical waste and the role of medicines in contributing to greenhouse gases, and be able to "join the conversation on fostering a culture of sustainability within healthcare, ensuring quality patient care while reducing waste".
"In Australia, health care contributes close to 7% of our nation's greenhouse gases, with medicines being one of the largest contributors," according to the Commission, which noted that pharmaceutical waste can lead to environmental, human and animal toxicities," ASCQH said.
The full program for the event is now available, with high profile speakers including Professor Paul Kelly, Chief Medical Officer from the Department of Health and Aged Care; Dr Nick Watts, NHS England's Chief Sustainability Officer; and Dr Kate Charlesworth, Senior Advisor Climate Risk and Net Zero Unit at the NSW Ministry of Health.
Consultant pharmacist Tim Perry will appear in a panel discussion on "what can be done to drive more appropriate prescribing in practice" alongside GP Dr Brett Montgomery from the University of Western Australia and Alexandra Barratt, Professor of Public Health at the University of Sydney.
Grace Wong from Pharmacists from the Environment Australia is also on a panel, while community pharmacist and UTS Professor in Indigenous Health, Faye McMillan AM, will speak on approaches to sustainable medicines management in Aboriginal Controlled Community Health Organisations.
The pharmacy-led Return of Unwanted Medicines (RUM) project is also on the agenda courtesy of pharmacist Toni Riley. BP
Registration is free - CLICK HERE.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 19 Oct 23
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