Every day, Monash Health’s pharmacy team works to ensure the safe and timely use of medications.
On Monday 25 September, we recognise and celebrate the contribution of our pharmacy staff on World Pharmacists Day.
This year’s theme – Pharmacy strengthening health systems – shares the achievements of pharmacy, and highlights the value and potential opportunities for the pharmacy program to help improve health outcomes.
On this year’s theme, the International Pharmaceutical Federation says, “At a time when health systems around the world are recovering from the COVID-19 crisis and general consensus is that urgent action is needed for health services to meet future needs, this year’s World Pharmacists Day campaign presents opportunities to increase awareness of pharmacists as an intelligent solution.”
“Pharmacy is essential for access to health, a safe supply chain and the responsible use of medicines.”
Improving health outcomes through the safe and timely use of medications
Each month, Monash Health’s pharmacy program:
- Dispenses 35,000 medications
- Compounds 4,400 products
- Conducts 3,600 medication histories
- Provides medication counselling to 2,400 patients
- Records 6,700 clinical interventions
In the pursuit of helping to improve health outcomes, the pharmacy program is participating in several new initiatives.
- The implementation of an Advanced Training Residency program to develop clinical pharmacist skills in specialty practice areas
- Participation in a multidisciplinary antibiotic allergy de-labelling program to ensure patients have access to the most appropriate medication treatment
- Expansion of pharmacist discharge prescription planning activities to streamline the supply of medications on discharge
Monash Health pharmacists, here to help
Of note is the launch of a new Monash Health pharmacy uniform. The new coloured scrubs will provide greater visibility of pharmacy staff in the organisation.
Over the coming weeks, we will begin to see Monash Health pharmacists in teal-coloured scrubs, and pharmacy technicians can be recognised in grey-coloured scrubs.
In their identifiable scrubs, fellow clinicians can recognise pharmacy staff on wards and in clinics, and seek their help with anything medication-related.
Today we want to thank all of our pharmacy staff for the amazing work they do every day to help improve health outcomes.
Approved by Sue Kirsa, Director of Pharmacy