Council News April 2025

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Welcome to the first Pharmacy Council of NSW newsletter for 2025

It was great to host many of our key stakeholders at our annual event on 12 March 2025 where we could connect with our colleagues face-to-face. It also provided an opportunity to show our appreciation for the important role of our co-regulators, key stakeholders, professional members, colleagues and staff in supporting the work of the Council.

The Council’s new three-year term commenced this month and I would like to welcome Mr Tim Hewitt who commences his position with the Council as an elected community pharmacist.

One of our key focus areas this year includes continuing to enhance our communication and engagement with all our stakeholders, as well as attending Guild and PSA conferences. Another focus is on improving our processes relating to change of ownership applications, including our processing and completion times (from the time all required documents are submitted in full by applicants).

In this newsletter, we have an article by Council member Caroline Diamantis and Professional Officer, Peter Andrews, regarding professional responsibilities of proprietors along with 10 tips for quality compounding compiled by Tara Hehir, Professional Officer, in conjunction with Patricia Ullman from ASCP.

I also want to mention Thank Your Pharmacist Day which was held on 13 March. This year’s theme was Pharmacists stepping up, recognising how pharmacists are successfully taking on new challenges and providing more diverse care to more patients than ever before. Thank you for the vital work you do in delivery of critical health care across NSW!

Warm regards,

Rick Samimi

President, Pharmacy Council of NSW

Reminder: Annual requirements for pharmacy proprietors and holders of financial interests

If you are a NSW pharmacy owner and/or hold an interest in a NSW pharmacy business on 30 April 2025, by 30 June 2025 you will need to:

complete a declaration of your financial interest in a pharmacy business and pay the declaration fee and
ensure the annual renew of registration of your pharmacy premises is paid.

More information on how to do this will be provided to your Ahpra registered email address in the coming months.

Upcoming system upgrade – what you need to know

The Pharmacy Council is preparing for a major system upgrade as part of a statewide NSW health practitioner digital transformation program at the Health Professional Councils Authority.

At this stage, we expect minimal impact on pharmacy operations. We will keep you informed of any changes that may affect your work, including the annual declaration and pharmacy renewal processes.

Further updates will be provided to all pharmacists and pharmacy owners as the system upgrade process rolls out.

Professional responsibilities of proprietor pharmacists

The Pharmacy Board of Australia’s Guidelines for proprietor pharmacists focuses on the professional responsibilities that impact the safe, effective delivery of services to the public.

A registered pharmacist who is a proprietor of, or who has a financial interest in, a pharmacy business, must:

maintain and be able to demonstrate an awareness of the manner in which a pharmacy business is being conducted
where necessary, intervene to ensure that the practice of pharmacy is conducted in accordance with applicable laws, standards and guidelines.

10 tips for quality compounding

Compounding pharmaceuticals involves the preparation of personalised medications, tailored to a patient's specific needs. This practice is essential when commercially available medications are unsuitable or unavailable.

However, the process must adhere to strict guidelines to ensure safety, efficacy, and compliance with Australian regulations. Please see the 10 tips fact sheet which outlines the key considerations for quality compounding.