PHARMACISTS are ready and willing to play a key role in a redesigned mental health and wellbeing system in Victoria, Pharmacy Guild of Australia Victorian Branch President, Anthony Tassone, believes.
Welcoming the final report of the Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System, Tassone urged the State Government to commit to implementing all 65 recommendations.
Tassone noted that the report highlighted the need for a major reform and redesign of the State's mental health and wellbeing system, with community-based services set to offer a full range of supports that people living with mental illness or psychological distress need to recover.
"The Guild takes this opportunity to again reiterate community pharmacy's readiness and willingness to be part of the solution," he said.
"As the most accessible health professionals, community pharmacists can play a critical role in the provision of mental health services including prevention, health promotion, medicines management and monitoring.
"This is particularly evident in rural and regional areas.
"We believe that there are many social and economic benefits that would result from engaging community pharmacy to contribute to improving the provision of mental health care services including as part of a multidisciplinary mental healthcare team.
"We stand ready to work with the Victorian Government to help implement the recommendations of the Royal Commission for the benefit of Victorian patients."
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