Aboriginal health group

THE PSA has launched a Special Interest Group (SIG) in recognition of the growing number of pharmacists working in Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs), aiming to provide support for the specific needs and skills needed in this area.

PSA national president Dr Shane Jackson said having a SIG would give pharmacists in ACCHOs assistance in their career growth.

“In many cases pharmacists working in these positions are providing innovative and diverse services that have the potential to be informative and relevant to the evolution of pharmacy services and inter-professional care,” he said.

“Consultation with these pharmacists and services about their needs is vital to ensure PSA and the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) deliver relevant and meaningful benefits to PSA members and the wider pharmacy and health sectors.”

The National ACHO SIG Committee will be jointly run by PSA and NACCHO and will aim to foster collaboration, inform relevant policy and strengthen the relationships between the organisations “with a shared commitment to embedding pharmacists in ACCHOs nationally”.

A key role of the committee will be providing up-to-date information to NACCHO and PSA on issues that relate to both organisations, including input on improvements to PSA’s professional development and practice support programs.

The PSA also welcomed the announcement of a trial to assist Aboriginal health organisations to integrate pharmacists into their services.

Jackson said having a culturally responsive pharmacist integrated within Aboriginal health services would build better relationships and improve results in chronic disease management and Quality Use of Medicines.