THE Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia (SHPA) has begun trading as Advanced Pharmacy Australia (AdPha), reflecting a new era in patient care.
With Australians taking more medicines than ever before, the rebrand comes in response to the increasing needs of patients, and a pharmacy profession outgrowing traditional workplace boundaries.
AdPha President Tom Simpson FANZCAP (Lead&Mgmt) said the organisation will continue to represent the voice of Australian pharmacists and technicians, as it has done for eight decades, but is now more inclusive.
"Hospital pharmacy is no longer contained by the four walls of our hospitals," he said.
"Our members are on the forefront of innovation providing acute and urgent pharmacy care across care settings.
"The last decade has seen growth in pharmacy expertise in areas such as medicines regulation and digital health, while pharmacogenomics and advanced therapeutics will continue to change the way we care for our patients.
"Our membership reflects these changes - not all members are pharmacists and many do not work in hospitals - and from today, our name reflects these changes too."
The industry body's visual identity has also been refreshed, featuring imagery of four intersecting circles which represent the core values of collaboration and inclusivity.
"The circles are a metaphor for what we pride ourselves on: inclusivity, networks, collaboration, and patient-centred care...[and] also reflect the value we place in our many partnerships," explained Simpson, who is pictured with CEO Kristin Michaels.
He said that although the trading name of the Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia has changed, its commitment to its members and the patients in their care is unwavering.
"As AdPha, we will continue to deliver everything our members expect from us.
"At the same time, we will lift the ceiling on what is possible for any pharmacy practitioner, based on their passion, potential and the care they can provide, beyond the building they work in.
"We are no longer about where we work, but about what we can do; this change is about setting us up for our next era leading pharmacy innovation to empower members and the Australians in their care," Simpson concluded.
For more information, see the cover page. JM
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