Pharmacy proprietors and financial interest holders are reminded of the following important dates:

• 30 June 2017 - Due date for completed Annual Declarations.
• 30 June 2017 - Due date for payment of the Annual Renewal of Pharmacy Premises fee.

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It is important that following a routine pharmacy inspection, pharmacies rectify deficiencies identified by the inspector promptly.

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During routine inspections, it has become apparent that some pharmacists are engaging in unprofessional practice by not using appropriate areas to deliver vaccinations.

The Guidelines put forward by the Pharmacy Guild of Australia in relation to the vaccination service area clearly defines what would be an appropriate service area. It is important that pharmacists become familiar with Guidelines.

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A complaint against a health practitioner or student may be raised by anyone in the community. In New South Wales, complaints can be made to the Health Care Complaints Commission (HCCC), or Pharmacy Council through the Health Professional Councils Authority (HPCA).  Mandatory Notifications are made to the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

In NSW complaints are co-regulated by the HCCC and the Councils. This means both organisations consult on all matters to determine the best way to manage the complaint.

The main role of these bodies when dealing with complaints is the protection of the public and all courses of action that are available to these organisations are outlined in the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law (NSW).

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In February 2017, the New South Wales Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) finalised its decision regarding an application brought by the Health Care Complaints Commission (HCCC) for disciplinary findings against pharmacist, Mr Nicholas Bova. 

Mr Bova was found guilty of unsatisfactory professional conduct and professional misconduct regarding his compounding pharmacy practice.

A link to the stage 1 decision can be found here and a link to the stage 2 decision can be found here.

There are a range of reasons why a consumer may choose a brand name over a generic product. It is important that pharmacists give consumers the right to choose for themselves.

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With the upcoming change of scheduling for codeine from Pharmacist Only to Prescription Only it is important to remember that there are customers who are not ‘addicted’ but still have a genuine need for codeine/ibuprofen or codeine/paracetamol products.

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Applications for the first round of our Education and Research Grants closed on 1 May 2017, with Council receiving proposals from practising pharmacists from all over the state.

After much consideration – no easy task! – the Council is pleased to announce that funding to the amount of $2,500 has been awarded Mr Branko Radojkovic for a working visit to Johannes Gutenburg University Teaching Hospital, Germany.

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