PSWA President's Christmas Message
As the year draws to a close it’s an ideal time to pause and reflect on PSWA’s 2024.
After a comprehensive review of the JM O’Hara Research Fund in 2023, which produced more independent and transparent governance, the Board was pleased to announce Andrew Stafford as the recipient of the JM O’Hara Research Fund grant. His research project is around onsite pharmacists in rural and remote Western Australian Aged Care Facilities, reflecting the type of innovate research that will help develop pharmacist roles and influence the scope of practice of our profession.
A focus of the Board’s this year was to refine and revise our Vision, Mission and Objects to ensure they remain contemporary and reflect the intentions of the PSWA. As a result, our updated Strategic Plan for 2024-2026 reaffirms our commitment to enhancing the health of Western Australians by empowering pharmacy in WA through innovation, research, educational excellence, and safeguarding our rich heritage while still being a voice for the WA community and professionals we serve. The Strategic Plan guides all decisions and activities undertaken by the PSWA Board and I’d encourage all members to to see how this impacts what we do.
The PSWA Innovation Night, now in its third year, pivoted to showcase three very different aspects of pharmacy. Those attending the Innovation event were suitably impressed and inspired to see innovate ideas and achievements and provided a great platform for networking.
Patrick Moase, Co-Founder and CEO of Marine Biomedical, opened our eyes to Broome pearl shell and its applications in bones, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Pharmacist Helen Tulic shared the experience of running the Pharmacist-led Gout Clinic at FSH, and Natalie Willis, from the Pharmacy Guild of Australia’s WA Branch Committee ) highlighted the potential improvements in pharmacy practice from the 8CPA. Hear the thoughts of some of the attendees here and make sure you keep an eye out for next year’s event.
After considerable discussion on the future needs of the Society, and receiving overwhelming support from members through a consultation process, the Board proceeded with the sale of the premises at 21 Hamilton Street. The proceeds of the sale have been invested and will reinforce the financial stability and assure the future of the Society. The Board are continuing to consider how a physical presence may be of benefit to members and particularly how the Society’s historical collection can be better displayed, noting a portion is already on display at Safety Bay Pharmacy. The Board are still focused on establishing a presence that will, at the very least, allow the display of the Society’s complete historical collection.
The PSWA AGM and Pharmacy Celebration event was a wonderful evening held at historic Bishops House in Perth, at which we announced Dr Fei Sim as the very worthy winner of the Eric Kirk Memorial Award for her outstanding contribution to the profession.
The next few years promise more exciting opportunities with even more expansion of the scope of pharmacist practice and PSWA will continue to support it’s members with a focus on seven key areas:
Pharmacy practice research grants
Promotion of innovation in pharmacy
Recognition of excellence
Financial sustainability
Membership engagement
Governance
WA pharmacy history
To stay up to date with all he happenings and events, it’s great to follow us on social media channels, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram and watch out for our regular emailed newsletters.
Finally I’d like to wish all our members and their families a safe and relaxing festive season and I look forward to seeing you all next year.
Richard Smirk
PSWA Chair