Richard's Round Up August 2023

Most members would be aware the PSWA Board announced in February this year,  a broad review of the JM O’Hara Research Fund (JMOHRF), the Society’s research arm which has been providing research funding grants to members for pharmacy projects since 1976.

The PSWA Board have been working behind the scenes to develop changes to the governance,  structure and processes of the JMOHRF based on the feedback and advice generated from a JMOHRF stakeholder forum, member surveys and targeted member comment.

The PSWA Board thanks all the contributors, recognising the input into the review process provided wide-ranging and sometimes opposing opinions that were all well intentioned and well considered.

We believe the changes that have been agreed by the PSWA Board will ensure the JMOHRF remains contemporary and relevant to PSWA members and stakeholders and continues to be aligned to our vision as a recognised major facilitator for pharmacy research and practice development in WA.

One of the key issues highlighted at the stakeholder forum was a need to increase the transparency of the processes of the JMOHRF. To improve transparency, I am pleased to share with you the new JMOHRF Governance Framework. This document details the overarching governance, the application criteria and assessment processes together with the establishment of a realigned JMOHRF Advisory Committee. Expressions of Interest (EOI) for members to join the JMOHRF Advisory Committee opened today.

For those on Noongar lands we’ve stepped out of Makuru (Winter) into Djilba, the first spring with its mix of wet days, clear cold nights and pleasant warm days. I trust you’ll embrace everyday as it comes.  

 Richard