Hunter Pharmacist urges government to consider implications of 60-day medication dispensing

Hunter Pharmacist urges government to consider implications of 60-day medication dispensing

A pharmacist from the Hunter region of New South Wales is calling on the government to reconsider its proposal to implement a 60-day dispensing of medications from July 1st. Chelsea, one of the three female owners of the Whitebridge and Pharmacy Redhead, has spoken out about the devastating impact this could have on the community and aged care sector.

While the 60-day supply may initially seem like a convenient measure, it could result in enormous amounts of medication wastage and compromise the quality of service currently provided by pharmacies to the aged care sector. Chelsea’s pharmacy looks after five large aged care facilities in Newcastle, and the new measure would mean they will no longer be able to provide the same level of service, including 6-day free delivery and 24-hour delivery of palliative care medications. They also provide unit-dose packing, which requires five times the amount of blister packs, but improves the safety of medication administration.

Chelsea highlights the impact of the change on vulnerable residents in aged care facilities, as well as the financial burden it will place on pharmacies. At present, the 30-day supply means that the pharmacy is able to absorb the costs of services such as medication trolleys, medication advisory committee meetings, and onsite vaccination clinics for staff and residents. However, the change to a 60-day supply would mean that these services would be completely undermined, and the business would struggle to stay afloat.

Chelsea’s concerns are not only about the financial impact on pharmacies but also about the potential impact on patient safety. She sends weekly emails to aged care facilities, updating them on medication stock and alternatives, and fears that patients may go without their medication due to supply chain issues. Chelsea urges the government to consider the implications for patient safety, medication supply chain issues, and pharmacy services before implementing such a change.

As the proposal is still under consideration, Chelsea is calling on the community to voice their concerns about the impact of this measure on patient safety, pharmacy services, and the aged care sector. She encourages everyone to reach out and support their local pharmacies during this challenging time.

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