Pharmacy Daily | Leaders call for greater unity at PCS24

HEADS of peak bodies met to discuss the evolving role of pharmacists and the profession's future at the Pharmacy Careers Summit 2024 (PCS24) held last Fri.

The virtual summit saw nearly 1,700 attendees, a significant increase from last year's 1,200.

Key speakers included Tom Simpson, President of the Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia, A/Prof Fei Sim, President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA), and Prof Trent Twomey, National President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia.

Of significance was that all three agreed on the need for collaboration between their groups to advance the profession and improve patient outcomes.

Simpson emphasised the importance of hospital pharmacists in multidisciplinary teams, managing complex medications, and contributing to clinical trials.

He highlighted the growth of collaborative prescribing in hospitals, which improves patient outcomes by ensuring accurate medication management.

Discussing the PSA's advocacy for pharmacists roles in various settings, including aged care and general practice, Sim underscored the importance of pharmacists being "fully utilised wherever medicines are used", aiming for improved patient care and safety through expanded services.

Twomey detailed the recently signed eighth Community Pharmacy Agreement (PD 03 Jun), highlighting its significance in "bringing certainty to the sector", ensuring affordable access to medicines for patients and funding for community pharmacies.

He stressed the financial and clinical benefits of community pharmacy as a career path.

Presented by Ravens Recruitment and Pharmacy Daily, the PCS24 panel concluded with a call for unity and ongoing advocacy to enhance the role of pharmacists across all healthcare settings. JG

A recording of each session will be available on-demand by emailing: events@ravensrecruitment.com.au