Pharmacy Daily | SHPA’s best days lie ahead: Simpson

TASMANIAN leadership of the Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia (SHPA) will continue with Tom Simpson, elected to succeed Peter Fowler, as the organisation's new National President.

Simpson said that Fowler had been a strong and steady hand at the wheel during his term as SHPA President.

"From a new strategic plan to pandemic preparedness in only 12 months, Peter placed connectedness and collegiality at the centre of his Presidency, and SHPA is emerging stronger and more assured as a result of his leadership," Simpson said.

"Peter has helped define the character of the SHPA member, who is committed to evidence-based practice on their professional journey, supported by innovative programs and national networks of like-minded practitioners."

Simpson said SHPA's best days lie ahead, and committed to ensuring Australia's future workforce pipeline is fit for the task of complex, interconnected care.

"Hospital-based or hospital-informed training creates practitioners whose native habitat is multidisciplinary, collaborative care, surrounded by specialists and generalists from all healthcare professions," he said.

"Entrenched nationwide over the last five years, SHPA Residencies provide the generalist and specialist knowledge to excel in emerging, onsite roles - particularly in aged care and GP practices - while ensuring greater pharmacist coverage and medicines safety in regional, rural and remote areas.

"By building broader understanding of complex clinical journeys - and formally recognising the underpinning skills and experience - we can work toward a future in which we are defined by what we can do, and the care we can provide, rather than where we work."

Following the announcement of Simpson's appointment, Fowler said his fellow Tasmanian embodied the personal and professional attributes needed to advance pharmacy practice.

"Tom's broad skillset, creative strategy and ambition has taken hospital pharmacy practice in Tasmania to a point that was unimaginable only a handful of years ago," Fowler said.

"His exemplary work liaising with Federal and State government secretaries and ministers, professional organisations and advocacy groups has seen the state overcome barriers and ensure political and clinical support for significant expansion of pharmacy services, funding and practice scope."

Kate O'Hara was elected Vice President, Ramy Aziz was elected Treasurer and Olivia Rofe and Paul Firman were elected to the Board Executive.