New National Framework for Pharmacist Services

MEDIA RELEASE Date: 4 May 2009

Subject: New National Framework for Pharmacist Services

The Pharmaceutical Society of NZ – the Professional Voice of Pharmacy – says pharmacists are well placed to help people manage their medicines properly and support doctors clinically.

The DHB’s of NZ and pharmacists have developed a National Framework of a range of pharmacist services that provides the opportunity for this highly qualified and skilled profession to be better utilized and assist the government in meeting the New Zealand population health needs.

President of the Pharmaceutical Society, Elizabeth Plant, managed the development of the Framework for the DHB’s and says,” the services include patient consultations to help patients with medicine management and provide adherence support, also public health programmes, and working closer with GP’s providing clinical information and patient management.”

Already pharmacists are working within the DHB’s National Framework of Services and providing patient Medicine Use Review services in many areas around the country.

Ms Plant said today, “ the Associate Minister Peter Dunne launched the governments medicine strategy - Medicines New Zealand” and the Pharmaceutical Society has been working towards the Actioning Medicines New Zealand plan and discussing with health officials how implementing the better use of pharmacists skills can be done to achieving best use, and better health outcomes from our medicines.”

ENDS

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