A NEW initiative to support hospital pharmacists in Tasmania was recently announced by the state's Health Minister, Guy Barnett.
A $10,000 per annum market allowance has been approved for all pharmacists employed across the Tasmanian Health Service including in the Statewide Hospital Pharmacy, in accordance with the Allied Health Professionals Public Sector Unions Wages Agreement 2022.
"We highly value the important work that pharmacists perform in our hospital system, and their vital role in supporting patient care and safety, which is why we are acting to attract more," Barnett said.
"The introduction is designed to assist with boosting recruitment and retention for pharmacists in our hospitals," he added.
"We anticipate this will help to fill current vacancies and boost the workforce, enabling us to enhance the pharmacy services provided in our hospitals and help meet the demand for new initiatives, such as Hospital in the Home."
The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia's Tasmania branch President David Peachey stressed the importance of adequate staffing in public hospitals for improving patient care.
"Enhancing our hospital pharmacist workforce and ensuring they are well-supported is crucial for implementing the recommendations from the 2023 Tasmanian Pharmacist Scope of Practice Review," said Peachey.
Peachey pointed out the need for a health system that recognises the role of hospital pharmacists and allows them to practice at their highest capacity, including through partnered pharmacist medication charting.
"We still have work to do to fully utilise the skills of pharmacists across our health system, but a strong workforce is essential for delivering the full benefits of our practice," he noted.
Tasmania's new market allowance will be effective from 01 Jul this year. JG
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