THE Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia (SHPA) has reiterated that the safe and effective use of medicines should be the main consideration in maintaining of Australia's hospital pharmacy departments.
The Society was responding to ongoing discussions with ACT Health regarding pharmacist-to-patient ratios across the territory's three hospitals.
Professionals Australia is representing the pharmacists, with SHPA ceo Kristin Michaels highlighting the key Standard of Practice which stipulates 30 as the maximum number of patients per pharmacist in a hospital.
"To provide safe and quality care, inpatients require medication reconciliation on admission, daily medication chart review and medication counselling on discharge...these are unattainable in facilities where pharmacists are not adequately supported," she said.
"On behalf of our members, who play a key role in patient safety and ensuring high quality care, we will continue to advocate for all health professionals in hospital pharmacy and the importance of fostering clinical environments that minimise any risk of clinical error or sub-optimal patient services."
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