
CONNECT TODAY, SHAPE TOMORROW
CONNECT TODAY, SHAPE TOMORROW
9.00am - 7.30pm
PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOP 1: Immunisation Course
VENUE: King Room 2
9.00am –5.00pm
The Pharmacy Guild offers two immunisation course options – Full and Refresher. If you’re unsure which course is applicable to you, please email education@qldguild.org.au
The Full course will provide you with vaccinator qualification and up to 42 group 2 CPD credits.
The course provides:
• a background to immunisation in Australia;
• a familiarisation of the resources that are available to support immunisation services;
• an outline of the regulatory requirements which cover the provision of immunisation services within pharmacy;
• practical skill-based training in safe injection technique.
Full Immunisation Course
Time: 9.00am – 5.00pm
Cost: Guild Member $549 (GST free)/ Non- Member $739 (GST free) Inclusions: Workshop materials, morning/afternoon tea and lunch
Refresher Immunisation Course
Time: 10.30am – 3.00pm
Cost: Guild Member $249 (GST free)/NonMember $399 (GST free)
Inclusions: Workshop materials and lunch
PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOP 2: Clinical
Workshop - Medicines Administration Refresher & Full Scope of Practice NSW Update
VENUE: Wharf Room 1 & 2
COST: $66 (inc morning tea)
9.30am –1.00pm
This two-part workshop will include a 90-minute refresher on the administration of a number of specific injectable medicines and an update on Full Scope of Practice, particularly in New South Wales.
Session 1: Injectable Medicines Administered by Pharmacists Refresher
Time: 9.30am – 11.00am
Moderator: Nader Mitri, General Manager, PharmaPrograms
This session will feature a refresher demonstration on pharmacist injectable medicines administration techniques and key QUM points for HADLIMA (adalimumab); AMGEVITA (adalimumab); BRENZYS (etanercept); PROLIA (denosumab); LEQVIO (inclisiran); AREXVY (recombinant respiratory syncytial virus pre-fusion F protein) ; SHINGRIX (zoster vaccine recombinant, adjuvanted) ; SUBLOCADE (buprenorphine extended-release).
Speakers: Lauren Baker, Patient Experience Liaison at Arrotex; Jeffery Chu, Pharmacist & Educator; Simranjit (Simmy) Kaur, Registered Nurse, DBG Health
Morning Tea: 11.00AM – 11.30AM
Session 2: Pharmacist’s Scope of Practice changes in New South Wales
Time: 11.30am – 1.00pm
Moderator: Johnson Lee, NSW Chief Pharmacist, The Pharmacy Guild of Australia
This session will cover:
(1) UTI and OCP findings - future outlook
Speaker: Emeritus Professor Charlie Benrimoj, Consultant Academic
(2) Dermatology trial progress
Speaker: Emeritus Professor Charlie Benrimoj, Consultant Academic
(3) NSW consumer sentiment polling on scope
Speaker: Daniel Kicuroski, NSW Branch Director, The Pharmacy Guild of Australia
(4) Interactive Q&A session
Panellists: Emeritus Professor Charlie Benrimoj, Consultant Academic; Daniel Kicuroski, NSW Branch
Director, The Pharmacy Guild of Australia; Suzy Nash, Chief Pharmacist, Australasian College of Pharmacy
PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOP 3: Cyber Wardens
Workshop - Small business cyber risks, redflags and the simple strategies to boost your cyber safety
VENUE: Wharf Room 3
COST: $33 (inc morning tea)
9.30am –11.00am
This workshop will boost your essential cyber safety skills with simple tips and tricks to help protect your business from cyber criminals. The following topics will be covered:
• What are the biggest cyber security risks targeting small businesses
• Red flags and warning signs your business is at risk
• Everyday habits all businesses have that make them more vulnerable to cybercrime
• Why small business cyber security is a team sport, and how a trained Cyber Warden can help make cyber safety simple
• The four simple and effective ways to increase your business’s cyber safety
Facilitator: Kathleen Moorby, Associate Director, 89 Degrees East
PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOP 4:
How to protect your most valuable asset – your registration (Part 1) & Full Scope of Practice
VENUE: Wharf Room 4
COST: FREE (inc morning tea)
9.30am –
1.00pm
Regulatory activity within NSW is constant and unavoidable. This practical session will focus on the role of the Pharmacy Council of NSW and how it interacts with other regulators to protect the public. Find out what this means for your business and those who work within it - employed pharmacists, locums and you as a proprietor. This not to be missed event is a must for all business owners and employed pharmacists.
Presenters: Andrew Hargreaves, A/ Director Pharmaceutical Operations, NSW Ministry of Health; Monique Reyes, Principal, Poisons and Therapeutic Goods; Jess Hadley, Professional Officer, PDL; Peter Andrews, Professional Officer, Advisor & Inspector, Pharmacy Council of NSW; Georgina Woods, Acting Director of Complaint Operations – Assessments, Health Care Complaints Commission
PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOP 5: Building the Pharmacy of the Future: Navigating Change, Embracing Innovation
VENUE: Wharf Room 3
COST: $66 (inc morning tea)
2.00pm –5.30pm
Building the Pharmacy of the Future: Navigating Change, Embracing Innovation. Join CommBank Health for this exclusive workshop tailored for both current and aspiring pharmacy owners. In an era of rapid industry evolution, staying ahead is key, adaptability is paramount. Discover how to propel your pharmacy to new heights of innovation, service and performance.
The workshop will deep dive into a number of critical and emerging areas of business management within pharmacies including:
1) Leveraging the 8th CPA for success
2) Crafting a winning strategy & building and retaining great pharmacy teams
3) Financing strategies for sustainable growth
4) Harnessing technology for success
5) Establishing robust financial management practices
CommBank Health alongside partners RSM Australia and Scrypt, will provide invaluable insights, real-life examples and expert analysis on the various opportunities to future-proof your pharmacy whilst elevating performance.
Facilitators: Ben Massey, Associate Director, CommBank Health; Anne Seah, Manager Pharmacy Services, RSM Australia; Lloyd Smith, Co-Founder & Director, Scrypt; Carolyn Clementson, Pharmacy Practice Manager, Good Price Pharmacy Warehouse; Vanessa Lontos, Consultant & Business Coach; Emma Brown, Director of Pharmacy Services, RSM
PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOP 6: Harm Minimisation
VENUE: Wharf Room 4
COST: $66 (inc afternoon tea)
2.00pm –5.00pm
Should you stock “unapproved” vaping products in your pharmacy’
Time: 2.00pm – 2.30pm
Speaker: Colin Mendelsohn, Founding Chairman, Australian Tobacco Harm Reduction Association
Emerging trends in Australia’s unregulated drug market: GHB, Ketamine, Nitrous Oxide and Methamphetamine
Time: 2.30pm – 3.00pm
Speaker: David Jacka, Addiction Medicine Specialist, Monash Health
Afternoon Tea: 3.00PM – 3.30PM
Cannabis – from hero to villain?
Time: 3.30pm – 4.00pm
Speaker: Dr Hester Wilson, Chief Addiction Specialist, NSW Health
Synthetic Opioids – are we prepared?
Time: 4.00pm – 4.30pm
Speaker: Dr Marianne Jauncey, Medical Director, Uniting Medically Supervised Injecting Centre
The Great Debate: All alcohol consumed in Australia should require a doctor’s prescription Time: 4.30pm – 5.00pm
Affirmative Team: Catherine Bronger, NSW Branch Committee Member, The Pharmacy Guild of Australia; Daniel Kicuroski, NSW Branch Director, The Pharmacy Guild of Australia; Dr Hester Wilson, Chief Addiction Specialist, NSW Health
Negative Team: David Jacka, Addiction Medicine Specialist, Monash Health; Dr Marianne Jauncey, Medical Director, Uniting Medically Supervised Injecting Centre; Anthony Tassone, Vice President, The Pharmacy Guild of Australia
Step into the bustling world of pharmacy innovation at the Trade Exhibition. Held in the Trade Exhibition area, this key networking event will allow delegates to catch up with colleagues, build new business relationships, and meet with industry suppliers in a relaxed environment while enjoying canapes, drinks and live music. Canapes and drinks will be served.
Tickets: Inclusive for all full registrations, Guild interns & students
Additional Tickets: $85 per person
6.45am - 5.45pm REGISTRATION DESK OPEN (Mezzanine Level)
Venue: Grand Ballroom 1, Mezzanine Level
MC: Chris Owen
7.00am - 8.15am Guild Member Only Breakfast
Join the Guild’s National President, Chief 8CPA Negotiator and New South Wales Branch President for a confidential update on key issues affecting community pharmacy. This will be followed by an interactive Q&A session. All Guild members are encouraged to attend.
Speakers: Professor Trent Twomey, National President, The Pharmacy Guild of Australia; Anthony Tassone, Chief Negotiator, The Pharmacy Guild of Australia
Cost: $50 (includes hot breakfast)
PHARMACY CONNECT & PHARMACY ASSISTANT NATIONAL CONFERENCE OPENING PLENARY Venue: Grand Ballroom 2 (Mezzanine Level)
MC: Adele Tahan
8.25am - 8.30am Conference Welcome
8.30am - 9.15am Panel Session: Industry Update
2024 will go down as a year of major change in community pharmacy. This key panel discussion will highlight the key issues impacting community pharmacy such as pharmacy valuation, workforce pressures and front of pharmacy performance. By the time of this event, more detail will be known about the 1 October changes to therapeutic vapes containing nicotine or a zero-nicotine substance. Find out what you need to know to ensure you and your pharmacy can adapt to deal with the new pharmacy landscape.
Facilitator: Daniel Kicuroski, NSW Branch Director, The Pharmacy Guild of Australia
Panellists: Mal Scrymgeour, Director, Zumo Retail; Natalie Sirianni, Director, Attain; Professor Trent Twomey, National President, The Pharmacy Guild of Australia; Luke van der Rijt, NSW Branch Vice President, The Pharmacy Guild of Australia; Nina Kristc, Executive Manager Health, Commercial Banking NSW, Commonwealth Bank
9.15am - 10.00am Running towards greatness - unleashing potential with Olympian Peter Bol
Fresh from competing at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Peter Bol will share his remarkable story from humble beginnings to the pinnacle of athletic achievement. Peter will delve into the mindset of a champion, offering practical strategies for cultivating mental toughness, setting ambitious goals and staying focused amidst distractions. Whether you’re a business leader, pharmacist, pharmacy assistant or student, Peter’s insights will empower you to push past your limits and achieve extraordinary results.
Speaker: Peter Bol, Olympian.
10.00am - 10.45am Maximising outcomes for patients on biologic medications through pharmacist facilitated patient support programs
A patient’s journey to a biologic therapy is long and complex, many having failed multiple treatments and requiring extensive diagnostic assessments. Biologic medications account for 8 of the top 10 medications by PBS expenditure* with many of them approaching patent expiry (or already having biosimilars in the case of adalimumab). With the expanding pharmacist scope of practice, this session aims to emphasise the important and evolving role of the pharmacist in supporting patients on their treatment journey, to drive patient adherence on their medication and optimise their health outcomes.
Speakers: Jana Fulcher, Registered Pharmacist & National Account Manager, Arrotex; Ke Khoon Lee, Pharmacy Manager, Priceline Pharmacy
* Excluding SARS-CoV-2 infection treatment
9.00am - 4.05pm TRADE EXHIBITION OPEN (Mezzanine Level)
10.45am - 11.25am MORNING TEA (Trade Exhibition Area)
FRIDAY 6 SEPTEMBER 2024
CLINICAL SESSIONS: Venue: Grand Ballroom 1
MC: Andrew Ngeow
11.25am - 12.10pm Magnesium - Unveiling benefits beyond muscle relaxation
Pharmacists are familiar with magnesium’s role in muscle function, but its benefits extend far beyond. This presentation delves deeper, exploring how magnesium needs can impact health conditions commonly seen in pharmacy, including hypertension and diabetes, empowering pharmacists to increase their therapeutic scope and their business. Additionally, the session will explore the advantages of magnesium glycinate for optimal patient absorption. Through patient case studies and the latest research, pharmacists will gain valuable insights into effectively utilising magnesium for a wider range of patient needs, and the confidence to recommend it.
Speaker: Belinda Duffy, Health Care Professional Education Officer, Metagenics
12.15pm - 1.00pm Navigating the evolving adult vaccination landscape – harnessing the increasing role of pharmacists
This session explores the why behind age-related decline in immunity, the specific burden of diseases such as shingles and RSV in older adults, and the opportunity for pharmacists to support older adult vaccination uptake.
Speaker: Ben Wilkins, Accredited Pharmacist
1.00pm - 2.00pm LUNCH (Trade Exhibition Area)
2.00pm - 2.45pm Breaking down the UTI consult – the latest CAM treatment options for acute UTIs, recurring UTIs, and cystitis
This session will provide an understanding of different types of UTIs, the symptoms, causes and different mechanisms involved with the latest clinical research on treatment, and management of symptoms in a pharmacy setting. Case studies of typical presentations will be presented to give you confidence to identify acute and recurring UTIs and cystitis, as well as provide insights into interstitial (non-bacterial) cystitis, bladder pain syndrome and bladder oversensitivity. Learn how to talk to your customers about UTIs, take away treatment and lifestyle recommendations and gain practical tips that you can share to help manage, alleviate or prevent symptoms.
Speaker: Tracey Seipel, CEO, Seipel Group
BUSINESS SESSIONS: Venue: Grand Ballroom 2
MC: Cate Whalan
11.25am - 12.10pm Starting & finishing strong - structuring your pharmacy business for financial, tax and legal success
In this session, Meridian Lawyers’ pharmacy Principal, Georgina Odell and chartered accountant and Director of 542 Partners, Stuart Brandman join forces to provide their legal and accounting perspectives and insights into potential structures for pharmacy businesses, and address the financial, tax and legal implications associated with different structures. Georgina and Stuart have more than 20 years’ combined experience advising pharmacists at all stages of their ownership journey, whether they are establishing a new pharmacy, buying an existing business, or preparing to sell.
Speaker: Georgina Odell, Principal, Meridian Lawyers; Stuart Brandman, Director, 542 Partners
12.15pm - 1.00pm Artificial Intelligence (AI) – Beyond the buzz: optimizing business performance, operations and patient care in pharmacy today and tomorrow
In today’s fast-evolving healthcare landscape, AI stands out not just as a technological innovation but as a pivotal force in reshaping pharmacy operations. This presentation will delve into how AI is being leveraged to refine business performance, streamline operations, and enhance patient care within the pharmacy sector. However, the effectiveness of AI is contingent upon the quality of the data it utilises. A robust semantic layer, which ensures data is meaningful and well-organized, is critical to harnessing AI’s full potential. Getting this foundational aspect right can propel pharmacies towards unprecedented efficiency and service excellence. Conversely, shortcomings in this area can lead to misinformed decisions and missed opportunities. Explore both the immediate and long-term impacts of AI in pharmacy and learn how to effectively implement these advanced tools for optimal outcomes.
Speaker: Nick Biggs, General Manager Client Services, NostraData
2.00pm - 2.45pm Measures for pharmacies to boost viability
The Commonwealth Government’s 60-day dispensing initiative will continue to bite into the viability of pharmacies. The impact of third tranche will be felt by the time of the Pharmacy Connect conference. For this reason, pharmacies should be implementing measures that can offset some of this impact. Join international retail consultant, Mal Scrymgeour, as he outlines the approach pharmacies should take and details some of the key measures that should be considered.
Speaker: Mal Scrymgeour, Director, Zumo Retail
CLINICAL SESSIONS: Venue: Grand Ballroom 1
2.50pm - 3.35pm Management of gastroesophageal reflux in the community pharmacy setting
This session provides a practical guide to the Australasian College of Pharmacy’s recently published Management of Reflux - a guideline for pharmacists. This guideline aims to support community pharmacists in the management of reflux within the primary health setting and discusses and provides evidence-based recommendations on assessment of reflux symptoms, criteria for management, non-pharmacological interventions, the safe and effective use of prescription and non-prescription medicines, counselling, and when to refer for medical advice.
Speakers: Suzanna Nash, Chief Pharmacist, Australasian College of Pharmacy; Associate Professor Treasure McGuire, Clinical Pharmacist
PLENARY SESSION: Venue: Grand Ballroom 1
MC: Joe O’Malley
4.05pm - 4.50pm Does gender have an impact on the management of migraine pain?
BUSINESS SESSIONS: Venue: Grand Ballroom 2
2.50pm - 3.35pm Buying and selling a pharmacy today
This session will drill down into the pros and cons of buying and selling a pharmacy. It will address all aspects of the sales process, in particular the finance options available for purchases in a volatile market and the return on investment that is today’s reality. A session not to be missed for any prospective vendor or purchaser.
Speaker: Richard Gorman, Managing Director, Corporate Financial Services P/L
Migraine is often labelled as a ‘female illness’ as it disproportionately affects more women than men.1-3 Consequently, management of migraine may be affected by unconscious gender biases – an important issue to address given that, compared to men, women endure greater disability, frequency, and duration of migraine attacks.2 Through a case study led by Dr Jacinta Johnson, this session will delve into sex-related differences in migraine, how unconscious gender biases may impact management of migraine in both women and men, as well as strategies for pharmacists to improve migraine management and ensure equitable care in the pharmacy setting.
Speaker: Dr Jacinta Johnson, Advanced Practice Pharmacist
References: Kemper J. Soc Sci Med 2006;63(8):1986–1997. 2. Ahmad S, Rosendale N. Curr Pain Headache Rep 2022;26:505–516. 3. Nappi RE, et al. Cells 2022;11(8):1355. Reckitt Benckiser Group of Companies. Level 47, 680 George St, Sydney 2000, NSW Australia. Prepared April 2024. RKT-M-57177.
4.50pm - 5.35pm Panel Session: 8CPA
This must-attend session will detail the important changes to the core professional service of dispensing. Understand the changes that have been negotiated, including the three sources of Professionals Programs: (1) 8CPA programs e.g. Dose Administration Aids, (2) budgeted stand-alone, uncapped programs outside the Agreement e.g. National Immunisation Program Vaccinations, and (3) programs removed from the Agreement which will undergo a rapid review and be negotiated by the PSA e.g. HMRs. Several other key clauses in the Agreement will also be explained.
Facilitator: Daniel Kicuroski, NSW Branch Director, The Pharmacy Guild of Australia
Panellists: Anthony Tassone, Vice President, The Pharmacy Guild of Australia; Professor Trent Twomey, National President, The Pharmacy Guild of Australia; Natalie Willis, National Councillor, The Pharmacy Guild of Australia; Judy Plunkett, NSW Branch Committee Member, The Pharmacy Guild of Australia
7.00pm - 11.00pm COCKTAIL PARTY
Offering a night of networking, fun and entertainment for conference attendees and their guests, the Pharmacy Connect Cocktail Party is a night not to be missed.
Hit the dance floor with our live covers band, and enjoy a buffet dinner and drinks, plus join in on the excitement as the national winner of The Pharmacy Guild of Australia/Maxigesic Pharmacy Assistant of the Year is announced.
Cost: Inclusive for all full registrations inc Cocktail Party ticket
Additional Tickets: $165 per person / $85 per person for College Interns and Students
Venue: Grand Ballroom 2, Hyatt Regency Sydney
6.30am - 2.30pm REGISTRATION DESK OPEN (Mezzanine Level)
WOMEN IN PHARMACY BREAKFAST: Venue: Grand Ballroom 1
7.00am - 8.15am Women in Pharmacy Breakfast: Women in leadership roles – empowering perspectives
This enlightening panel session features top female leaders from the pharmacy industry, who will share their insights, challenges, and triumphs in navigating leadership roles as a woman. Discover how these empowered women are breaking barriers and inspiring the next generation of female leaders.
Facilitator: Judy Plunkett, National Councillor, The Pharmacy Guild of Australia
Panellists: Dr Hester Wilson, Chief Addiction Specialist, NSW Health; Amanda Seeto, CEO, Australasian College of Pharmacy; Mignon van der Walt, National Field Strategy Manager, VidaCorp; Catherine Bronger, NSW Branch Committee Member, The Pharmacy Guild of Australia; Kristina Fox, Community Pharmacist
Cost: $50 (includes hot breakfast)
PLENARY SESSION: Venue: Grand Ballroom 2
MC: Simon Blacker
8.30am - 9.15am Personal finance – the current financial impact
Join one of Australia’s leading personal finance commentators, Effie Zahos, as she explores the current financial impact on personal finances. Effie has more than two decades of experience helping Aussies make the most of their money. Known for her no-nonsense approach, Effie is a regular money expert on Channel 9’s Today Show and on radio around Australia. As Chief Content Office and money expert for one of Australia’s leading robo advisers, InvestSMART and as ambassador of Australia’s largest comparison site Canstar, Effie helps Aussies make the most of what they have.
Speakers: Effie Zahos, Financial Journalist & Commentator
9.30am - 2.00pm TRADE EXHIBITION OPEN
9.15am - 10.00am Behaving Badly: Understanding the psychology behind patient behaviour change to improve health outcomes and business sustainability
This session will delve into the pivotal role of pharmacists in fostering positive health behaviour change. By exploring the psychology behind behaviour modification, attendees will gain insights into effective and practical strategies for promoting healthier lifestyles. The session presenters, who have a combination of global expertise and local community pharmacy experience, will provide a range of evidence-based, business-minded, practical tools and techniques for pharmacists to positively influence patient behaviour. They will explore the integration of technology and data to enhance patient engagement, improve medication adherence, enhance customer loyalty, facilitate screening and prevention, and ultimately improve health outcomes.
Speakers: Dr Craig Nossel, Co-Founder, Sciana Health; Danelle Lynn, Dispensary Operations Manager, Sigma Healthcare
10.00am - 10.45am Doctor of Pharmacy and the intersection of Full Scope
The new 8CPA states that from 2025 the traditional four year BPharm + Internship will transition to an integrated 5 year master’s program, with graduates ready to undertake all Full Scope tasks and able to use the title of “Doctor” once they graduate. This session will explain the changes to the pharmacy program which will enable pharmacy graduates to be full scope ready, and how current pharmacists can participate in, and embrace, full scope of practice.
Speakers: Professor Trent Twomey, National President, The Pharmacy Guild of Australia; Assoc Prof John Smithson, Head of Pharmacy, James Cook University
10.45am - 11.30am MORNING TEA (Trade Exhibition Area)
SATURDAY 7 SEPTEMBER 2024
CLINICAL SESSIONS: Venue: Grand Ballroom 1
MC: Peter Hatswell
11.30am - 12.15pm Pharmacists working to Full Scope in Acute Minor Wound Care: accreditation, implementation and practical considerations
The Queensland Community Pharmacy Scope of Practice pilot and the ongoing expansion of scope of practice across most Australian states sees community pharmacies acting as key hubs for patient centred care in our local communities. This session will examine exactly how pharmacists practicing to full scope is driving positive health outcomes for Australian patients through the delivery of acute wound care services.
Speaker: Demi Pressley, Chief Pharmacist, Alive Pharmacy Group
BUSINESS SESSIONS: Venue: Grand Ballroom 2
MC: Paul Krassaris
11.30am - 12.15pm MedAdvisor Solutions – At the heart of Full Scope of Practice
The Queensland Community Pharmacy Scope of Practice pilot and the ongoing expansion of scope of practice across most Australian states sees community pharmacies acting as key hubs for patient centred care in our local communities. This session will examine exactly how pharmacist prescribing is driving positive health outcomes for Australian patients and how MedAdvisor Solutions is actively working to empower the pharmacy of the future.
Speaker: Aaron D’Souza, Strategic Account Manager – Government Programs, MedAdvisor Solutions
12.20pm - 1.05pm Pharmacist prescribing and risk mitigation
With pharmacist prescribing rapidly expanding across the country, it is essential for pharmacists to consider key areas of risk to ensure safety and quality in healthcare are maintained. During this session, PDL will delve into some key areas of risk in the provision of pharmacist prescribing services, including consent, documentation and record keeping. PDL will also discuss how to mitigate these risks with adequate training and resources, robust policies and procedures and assessment and accountability.
Speaker: Jess Hadley, Professional Officer, PDL
1.05pm - 2.00pm LUNCH (Trade Exhibition Area)
2.00pm CONFERENCE CLOSE
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