Forefront

Forefront is a monthly e-newsletter from the Pharmacy Guild of Australia.

Subscription to Forefront is free and – while content is produced with Guild members in mind as the primary audience – open to anyone interested in news and current events relating to community pharmacy in Australia.

Just as community pharmacists are at the forefront of primary health care in the Australian community, Forefront aims to provide up-to-date, relevant and valuable content to subscribers.

Subscribers will receive monthly email summaries that link to more in-depth content on the Guild website. These summaries aim to provide a quick and convenient snapshot of news, which provides value to the reader even if they do not have time to view the expanded content.

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Forefront | 14 Nov 2024

Feature Article

Community pharmacy’s evolution

Next year is the final 12 months of the Guild’s current 10-year plan, Community Pharmacy 2025. It’s a strategy that has served both community pharmacists and patients well, guiding our response to a global pandemic, helping achieve cheaper medicines for all Australians, and critically, preserving our proven community pharmacy model.

Community pharmacy leads nation-wide transformation of women’s health services

Australian women in every state and territory can now access treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections at a community pharmacy, without a prescription.

Democracy supports community pharmacy doing more

The Guild congratulated the Queensland Liberal National Party on winning government and the ACT Labor Green Coalition on holding office in their respective October elections.

Community pharmacy the only frontline health care in 332 rural towns: Rural Health Month

November is Rural Health Month, a time for healthcare professionals across Australia to come together to celebrate rural health.

More boosts for maternal and women’s healthcare

Expectant mothers in Australia will soon benefit from new healthcare options that make essential services more accessible and affordable.

Report confirms critical role of pharmacies during the pandemic

The recent COVID-19 Response Inquiry Report highlighted the contributions of frontline healthcare providers, including community pharmacists, who played a critical role in delivering life-saving services throughout the pandemic. The report praised how swiftly the sector adapted to meet unprecedented challenges and underlines the importance of empowering health professionals to operate to their full scope of practice, particularly in times of crisis.

Sigma & Chemist Warehouse goes ahead despite Guild’s warnings

Earlier this month, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) approved the proposed merger between Chemist Warehouse and Sigma Healthcare, subject to the fulfillment of certain undertakings by Sigma.

‘Be Kind in Retail’ campaign urges community kindness this Christmas

A coalition of retail, pharmacy, security, cleaning, and convenience industry groups has launched the ‘Be Kind in Retail’ campaign for the Christmas period in 2024, urging the public to treat retail workers with respect and kindness. The campaign comes after rising instances of abuse and violence in retail environments have raised concerns across the sector.

Making a difference: Community pharmacists recognised

Three outstanding pharmacists have recently been recognised for their impactful contributions to their communities’ healthcare.

Re-thinking corporate vaccination: convenience and accessibility

Flu season is costly for employers, with absenteeism due to illness taking a significant toll on productivity and resources, costing Australian businesses billions annually. Workplace vaccination programs can reduce flu-related absenteeism by up to 40%, significantly lowering the risk of illness spreading within the office.

Forefront | 09 Oct 2024

Feature Article

Members elect Professor Trent Twomey for a second term

Professor Trent Twomey has been elected for a second term as National President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia.

Vapes officially available in community pharmacy, but not everyone’s on board

As of October 1, vapes have become available in community pharmacies across all states and territories except Tasmania as a Schedule 3 product.

Transformative contribution of former Executive Director, Don Gibbons' recognised on his 100th birthday

Don Gibbons, former Executive Director of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, has reached a remarkable milestone – his 100th birthday. Don was the Executive Director from 1973 to 1981, during a period of significant change for both the Guild and the community pharmacy sector. His leadership laid the groundwork for many of the advancements, community pharmacy takes for granted today.

Community pharmacy evolving as Scope momentum builds

The movement to expand community pharmacists' roles is gaining momentum across Australia. With several states announcing key changes, pharmacists are increasingly providing a broader range of healthcare services to meet the growing needs of patients.

World Pharmacists Day Wrap-up

World Pharmacists Day 2024 was a global celebration of the important role community pharmacists play in primary health care across Australia. This year’s theme, "Pharmacists: Meeting Global Health Needs," was a fitting reflection of how pharmacists are stepping up to provide more services and improve health care access in response to the growing demands on the health care system.

GuildEd changes make learning more accessible

As of 1 October 2024, Guild Learning and Development’s online learning management system has officially been rebranded as the College. To keep using the platform, Guild members will need to join through the College, in line with its updated membership model.

More vulnerable Australians eligible for shingles vaccine

Australia has one of the most comprehensive shingles vaccination programs in the world and now it’s available to even more people under the National Immunisation Program (NIP).

Guild recognises Professor Paul Kelly for his pragmatic leadership

Pharmacy Guild of Australia National President Professor Trent Twomey has paid tribute to outgoing Chief Medical Officer Professor Paul Kelly.

Pagination

Page last updated on: 22 September 2023