Pharmacy Daily | Profession backs aged care funding

PHARMACY organisations are welcoming a Federal Government decision to allocate $25.5 million, which will increase access to medication management reviews (MMRs), and reduce the use of chemical restraints in aged care facilities.

The funding is part of a $500 million package announced yesterday in response to the Aged Care Royal Commission.

Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) National President, Dr Chris Freeman, said the fresh funding would enable pharmacists to provide more frequent MMRs.

"The Government's decision to allow more medication reviews to be delivered to a section of our community in dire need of this critical intervention is to be applauded," he said

"The PSA has long advocated for a cycle of care that delivers medication reviews conducted at a frequency and level that is dependent on patient needs, with meaningful follow-up, rather than being arbitrarily capped by funding restrictions.

"The Federal Government's announcement acknowledges the important role of pharmacists in ensuring the safe and quality use of medicines for elderly Australians.

"It is essential, if we are to address the inappropriate use of medicines for older Australians that pharmacists are able to spend more time on the ground in residential aged care facilities and in patients' homes delivering this vital service."

Pharmacy Guild of Australia National President, George Tambassis, said the Royal Commission's interim report demanded a significant response from the Government.

"Community pharmacists stand ready to play our part in improving the situations faced by too many Australians in aged care," he said.

"We look forward to working through the details of the announcement to ensure the proposed additional residential medication management reviews are delivered in a way that ensures the best health outcomes for patients and added value for the system."