GUILDNEWS
President's Message
It is my honour to provide you with this special edition of Guild News ahead of the Pharmacy WA Forum 2026. Since its inception in 2009, the Pharmacy WA Forum has grown to become the largest and most important event on the Western Australian community pharmacy calendar. The WA Branch is incredibly proud of the role the Forum plays in bringing our profession together to share knowledge, explore emerging opportunities and prepare for the future of community pharmacy.
This year's Forum comes at a pivotal time for our profession. Community pharmacies are delivering more healthcare services than ever before, expanding their contribution to primary care while adapting to significant changes in accreditation, clinical practice and scope of service delivery.
Each year, the Forum provides practical insights, innovative ideas and real-world examples that can be implemented immediately within your pharmacy. With more than 500 members of the Western Australian pharmacy sector to attend, the Forum also provides a valuable opportunity to connect with colleagues, share experiences and strengthen the relationships that continue to drive our profession forward.
I encourage you to take full advantage of this outstanding programme and look forward to welcoming you to this must-attend event.
Elevating Practice – Excellence, Innovation, Impact
This year's theme, Elevating Practice – Excellence, Innovation, Impact, reflects both the remarkable progress of community pharmacy in Western Australia and the opportunities that lie ahead.
As the range of services available through community pharmacies continues to expand, pharmacists are demonstrating excellence in patient care, embracing innovation in service delivery, and creating meaningful impact for patients, communities and the broader healthcare system.
Transforming Patient Access
Looking back reminds us just how rapidly our profession has evolved.
In 2015, fewer than 100 Western Australian community pharmacies administered a combined 15,621 influenza vaccinations. Today, community pharmacy has become a trusted and essential part of the State's healthcare system. To 16 July 2026, community pharmacies have administered more than 400,000 influenza vaccinations, accounting for 45% of all influenza vaccinations delivered in Western Australia.
Pharmacies have also continued to play a significant role in vaccination delivery across a range of programs. This year alone, community pharmacies have administered more than 94,000 COVID-19 vaccinations, representing 57% of all COVID-19 vaccinations delivered in Western Australia, alongside almost 324,000 vaccinations through the Free Flu Program and more than 25,000 RSV vaccinations.
The profession's contribution extends well beyond vaccination services. More than 25,000 Western Australians have accessed treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections through 611 participating pharmacies, while more than 700 patients have received oral contraceptive pill resupply services.
These achievements demonstrate not only the confidence patients place in community pharmacy, but also the profession's ability to deliver safe, accessible and high-quality healthcare services that improve health outcomes and reduce pressure on other parts of the healthcare system.
Enhanced Access Community Pharmacy Pilot
The momentum continues through the Enhanced Access Community Pharmacy Pilot. The WA Branch welcomed the State Government's commitment of $4.1 million in the 2026-27 Budget to support the training of at least a further 200 pharmacists through Graduate Certificate programs.
These pharmacists will join the more than 80 already undertaking training supported by previous funding allocations.
Transition from QCPP to QSPP
As our profession continues to evolve and deliver an expanding range of clinical services, the systems and standards that support pharmacy practice must evolve alongside it.
This is why the transition from the Quality Care Pharmacy Program (QCPP) to the Quality & Safety Pharmacy Program (QSPP) is one of the most significant developments facing community pharmacy in almost three decades.
QSPP recognises the modern role of community pharmacy as an integrated healthcare provider and aligns accreditation with the Australian Community Pharmacy Standard (AS 85000:2024). The new framework places a stronger emphasis on clinical governance, patient safety, continuous quality improvement and patient outcomes, while reducing unnecessary administrative burden for pharmacy teams.
For pharmacy owners and managers, understanding and preparing for QSPP will be essential. Far more
than a compliance requirement, QSPP provides an opportunity to strengthen business systems, support service expansion and ensure community pharmacies are well positioned to meet the expectations of modern healthcare delivery.
For this reason, QSPP will be a key focus of this year’s Forum, with practical sessions designed to help pharmacy owners and teams understand the changes, prepare for implementation and confidently navigate the transition.
National Pharmacy Awards
This year's Forum theme, Elevating Practice – Excellence, Innovation, Impact, is exemplified by the achievements of Western Australian pharmacies and individuals, whose contributions were recognised through the Pharmacy Guild of Australia's National Pharmacy Awards in 2026.
This year, we recognised three exceptional Western Australian winners:
• Pharmacy 777 East Perth –Western Australian Pharmacy of the Year
• Nam Vuong – Western Australian Community Pharmacist of the
Year
• Kaitlyn Campbell – Western Australian Student Pharmacist of the Year
These awards recognise the exceptional contribution that pharmacies and individuals make to patient care, professional leadership and the ongoing advancement of community pharmacy.
Each of these worthy recipients went on to represent Western Australia at the National Pharmacy Awards in March 2026, showcasing the high standard of pharmacy practice, innovation and professional excellence that exists within our State.
On behalf of the WA Branch, I congratulate Andrew Silvan and the team at Pharmacy 777 East Perth, Nam Vuong and Kaitlyn Campbell on their achievements and thank them for serving as outstanding ambassadors for Western Australian community pharmacy.
Join us at the Pharmacy WA Forum 2026
Whether you are undertaking scope of practice training, preparing for QSPP accreditation or looking for ways to strengthen your pharmacy
business, the Pharmacy WA Forum 2026 offers practical insights and solutions that can be applied immediately within your pharmacy.
Across two days, attendees will hear from leading pharmacy practitioners, industry experts and thought leaders who will share innovative ideas, proven strategies and practical examples that reflect both the current reality and future direction of community pharmacy.
I cannot think of a better opportunity to connect with colleagues, learn from experts and prepare for the next chapter of our profession. I look forward to seeing you there.
NGEOW WA Branch President
ANDREW
Pictured: Anthony McAnuff, PGAWA Branch Director, The Hon. Meredith Hammat MLA, Minister for Health, Mental Health, Preventative Health, Nam Vuong, Kaitlin Campbell, Andrew Silvan, Andrew Ngeow, PGAWA President
We know pharmacy
From the Director's Desk
The WA Branch remains focused on delivering practical support for members, and ensuring our profession is well positioned for the opportunities and challenges ahead.
Supporting Members Through Full Scope Implementation
The expansion of pharmacists' scope of practice continues to be one of the most significant developments for the profession.
To support members through this transition, the Pharmacy Guild of Australia has launched a Full Scope Implementation Hub, providing resources and guidance to help pharmacies prepare for implementation and understand emerging opportunities.
Recognising the significant interest from members, the Pharmacy WA Forum 2026 will also feature dedicated sessions exploring full scope implementation, providing practical insights and opportunities for discussion as pharmacies prepare for the next stage of professional practice.
Preparing for Quality Standards and Practice Change
The upcoming transition to the Quality Standards for Pharmacy Programs (QSPP) remains a major focus for the Branch. Member-only resources and practical support materials are being developed to assist pharmacies in preparing for the 1 October transition. Our Business Support Team continues to work closely with pharmacies to help them understand the requirements and implement changes with confidence.
Recognising the importance of this transition, the Pharmacy WA Forum program includes three dedicated QSPP sessions, comprising a panel discussion and two breakout sessions designed to provide practical guidance and answer members' questions.
Delivering Community Immunisation Success
Western Australian community pharmacies once again demonstrated their vital role in delivering accessible healthcare through participation in the Community Pharmacy Immunisation Payment Program (CPIPP).
Participating Western Australian community pharmacies administered over 300,000 influenza vaccinations through the Program. These outstanding results reflect the commitment of pharmacy owners and their teams to improving access to preventative healthcare and meeting the needs of their local communities.
The WA Branch acknowledges and thanks all participating pharmacies for
their contribution to the success of these programs and for the important role they continue to play in protecting the health of Western Australians.
As community pharmacy vaccination services continue to evolve, members attending this year's Forum will have the opportunity to hear from Business Support Pharmacists Anna Geha and Melissa Benson, who will present a practical session on understanding the National Immunisation Program and the changing immunisation landscape.
Understanding Our Profession Through the 2026 Guild Census
A significant milestone this year was the completion of the Pharmacy Guild's first national member Census since 2012. Nationally, 1,366
Pictured: Anthony McAnuff, PGAWA Branch Director, Hon Roger Cook, Premier , Natalie Willis PGAWA Senior Vice President
pharmacies participated, including 209 Western Australian pharmacies. Importantly, the census was not simply a data collection exercise. The information provided by members will play a critical role in informing future discussions with key stakeholders, including governments, their agencies, and policymakers.
The census establishes a strong evidence base that will support future advocacy, guide decisions, and help shape the services and support provided to members.
This strong participation has delivered valuable insights that will help strengthen future advocacy efforts, support negotiations for the 9th Community Pharmacy Agreement, inform workforce planning and scope of practice expansion, improve member services, and ensure the experiences of community pharmacy owners are accurately reflected in the Pharmacy Guild’s advocacy.
On behalf of the WA Branch, I sincerely thank every member who contributed to this important initiative. Your participation will help shape the future of community
pharmacy.
Supporting Wellbeing Through the Employee Assistance Program
The wellbeing of pharmacy owners and their teams continues to be a priority for the WA Branch. Through our partnership with TELUS Health, members and their staff have ongoing access to a comprehensive Employee Assistance Program (EAP), providing confidential counselling, consultations, information, resources, and referral services. As pharmacy businesses continue to navigate increasing operational pressures and workforce challenges, access to professional wellbeing and mental health support remains an important and valued member benefit.
The importance of resilience, leadership, and wellbeing will also feature strongly at this year's Pharmacy WA Forum. We are pleased to welcome Kath Koschel, Jay Pottenger, and Di Darmody, who will share practical strategies to help pharmacy owners and leaders navigate change, manage pressure, support their teams, and lead with confidence.
The Future of Community Pharmacy
As we reflect on the past 12 months, it is clear that Western Australian community pharmacy continues to demonstrate resilience, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to patient care. Across all areas of our work, the WA Branch's focus remains clear: delivering meaningful support for members.
The year ahead presents significant opportunities for our profession, and the WA Branch remains committed to ensuring members are informed, supported, and represented every step of the way.
MCANUFF WA Branch Director
ANTHONY
Pictured: Andrew Ngeow, PGAWA President, Natalie Willis, PGAWA Senior Vice President, The Hon. Meredith Hammat MLA, Minister for Health, Mental Health, Preventative Health, Anthony McAnuff, PGAWA Branch Director
DAY ONE
8:30AM REGISTRATION
8:30AM DISPLAY OPENS (ARRIVAL COFFEE)
8.45AM OFFICIAL OPENING ADDRESS BY WA HEALTH MINISTER - The Hon. Meredith Hammat BA MIR MLA
Join Western Australia’s Minister for Health and Mental Health, The Hon. Meredith Hammat MLA, as she officially opens the Pharmacy WA Forum 2026. Minister Hammat will share her vision for the future of healthcare in WA and reflect on the important role community pharmacy plays in delivering accessible, sustainable, and patient-centred care across the state.
9.20AM YOUR INSPIRATION – LEADING THROUGH CHANGE: GRIT, GRACE AND GETTING ON WITH IT – Kath
Change isn’t always chosen- but how you show up in the face of it defines everything. With a story that redefines resilience, Kath brings a fresh perspective on navigating uncertainty, leading with empathy, and turning challenges into catalysts for growth. Change is about stepping up, staying grounded, and helping your team do the same when everything’s shifting around them. She offers practical strategies to embrace uncertainty, reframe obstacles, and build a mindset that sees change not as a threat, but as an opportunity for reinvention and growth.
10.10AM MORNING TEA
11.00AM YOUR GUILD UPDATE – Trent Twomey and Anthony Tassone
Hear directly from Pharmacy Guild of Australia National President Trent Twomey and Chair of the Health Economics and Policy Committee, Anthony Tassone, as they provide an update on national advocacy, policy and industry developments impacting community pharmacy, and discuss the priorities shaping the future of the profession.
11.50AM FROM COMPLIANCE TO CAPABILITY: PRACTICAL QSPP IMPLEMENTATION - Panel Session
This practical session explores how pharmacies can implement QSPP requirements within everyday workflows, with a focus on digital enablement. Featuring a vendor-neutral discussion, industry leaders will share how digital platforms can support compliance, improve efficiency, and embed quality practices into routine operations.
12.30PM LUNCH
1.30PM AI IN PRACTICE: TURNING OPPORTUNITY INTO IMPACT
Drawing on his experience leading AI capability building across industry, education and health, Alex will cut through the hype to provide a clear and accessible overview of the opportunities, challenges and policy considerations surrounding AI adoption.
2.20PM AFTERNOON TEA
3.00PM RETHINKING INNOVATION IN PRACTICE - Jason Clarke
In this high-energy keynote, Jason Clarke challenges conventional thinking and explores how innovation can be embedded as a practical, everyday discipline. Through engaging ideas and actionable frameworks, he will demonstrate how to unlock creative thinking, adapt to rapid change, and identify better ways of working in an evolving environment.
SIGNALS, SHIFTS AND STRATEGIC CHOICES - Panel Session
Following his keynote, Jason Clarke will facilitate a panel discussion with industry leaders exploring the trends, challenges and opportunities shaping the future of community pharmacy. Together, they will examine the key shifts influencing the profession and discuss the strategic choices pharmacy owners can make to remain competitive, relevant and successful in the years ahead.
5.00PM - 7.00PM COCKTAIL EVENT
After a day of thought-provoking discussions and practical insights, join us for an evening of connection, celebration and networking at the Winter Warmer Cocktail Event. Step into a magical winter-inspired setting and enjoy an unforgettable evening surrounded by sparkling lights, seasonal styling, great food and refreshing drinks. This relaxed event provides the perfect opportunity to reconnect with colleagues, meet new industry contacts and continue the conversations sparked throughout the day.
Koschel
- Alex Jenkins
DAY TWO
8:40AM DISPLAY OPENS (ARRIVAL COFFEE)
9.00AM OFFICIAL OPENING ADDRESS BY THE LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION - Basil Zempilas MLA
Join Leader of the Opposition, Mr Basil Zempilas MLA, as he opens Day 2 of the Pharmacy WA Forum 2026. In this address, Mr Zempilas will outline the Opposition’s priorities for health and share his perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing Western Australia’s healthcare system.
9.10AM FIVE PILLARS OF PERFORMANCE – Jay Pottenger
Drawing on insights from mental health, neuroscience and workplace wellbeing, Jay Pottenger explores the Five Pillars of Performance: Digital, Mental, Emotional, Physical and Social Health, and how each contributes to resilience, productivity and overall wellbeing. Through practical strategies and evidence-based tools, Jay will show delegates how to better manage stress, strengthen focus, protect their wellbeing and build the capacity needed to perform at their best, both professionally and personally.
10.05 AM MORNING TEA
PHARMACY MANAGEMENT
CROWN BALLROOM 1 & 2
Industrial Relations in Focus: Join Kate Hall for an update on the latest industrial relations changes, workforce trends, and workplace obligations impacting community pharmacy in 2026. Kate Hall
How to turn your customer into your patient: Discover how to transform everyday customer interactions into lasting patient relationships and grow your pharmacy’s role as a trusted provider of healthcare services. Que-anh Langcay
QCPP to QSPP: Introducing the Quality & Safety Pharmacy Program Gain a practical understanding of QSPP requirements, accreditation expectations, and the processes pharmacies will need to demonstrate from 1 October 2026. Natalie Willis & Erica Vowles
1.00 PM LUNCH
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
INVESTMENT & TECHNOLOGY
CROWN BALLROOM 3A
Be Seen, Be Chosen: Growing Your Pharmacy Through Service Promotion - Learn how to raise awareness of your pharmacy’s services, attract more patients, and turn great offerings into meaningful community engagement with practical marketing strategies.
Sarah Rendell
It Takes an Ecosystem: Technology’s Role in the Future of Quality Pharmacy Care: Learn how digital solutions can support QSPP compliance, improve pharmacy operations, and strengthen patient care outcomes. Aaron D’Souza
Federal Budget Update: Implications for Community Pharmacy - Hear the latest Federal Budget updates and their implications for community pharmacy, from funding and policy changes to future opportunities for the sector. Priya Narsing
2.00 PM POWERFUL UNDER PRESSURE - Di Darmody
PHARMACY PRACTICE
CROWN BALLROOM 3B
Implementing Full Scope: Real-World Considerations for Pharmacy -Explore the practical steps to implementing full scope services, from operational readiness to patient uptake. Michelle Bou-Samra & Suzanna Nash
Vaccine Funding Eligibility Essentials: A practical guide to vaccine eligibility, funding pathways, and correct vaccine selection to support compliance and reimbursement. Anna Geha & Melissa Benson
Implementing Full Scope: Real-World Considerations for Pharmacy - Explore the practical steps to implementing full scope services, from operational readiness to patient uptake. Michelle Bou-Samra & Suzanna Nash
CLINICAL CROWN BALLROOM 3C
Safe co-prescribing with MHT/HRT: Naturopath Tracee Blythe explores safe co-prescribing with MHT/HRT and the role of integrative, evidence-informed care in supporting women through menopause.Tracee Blythe
Menopause Management in Practice: Explore the pharmacist’s role in menopause care, including symptom management, treatment options, and practical strategies to support women with confidence. Bo Youn Kim
Familial
Hypercholesterol-aemia (FH) and Lp(a): Early Detection, Awareness and the Role of Community Pharmacy Dr Andrew Martin & Christine Tawtel
In this final session, join Di Darmody for an inspiring and energising close to two days of learning, connection and reflection. Drawing on her experience in high-pressure environments and her personal journey through burnout, Di explores how leaders can rethink their relationship with stress and build the resilience needed to thrive in demanding roles.
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Talking mental health.
A quick reference guide for managers to assist in talking with employees about their mental health.
Creating a safe environment for employees to talk openly about mental health builds confidence in the workplace, which in turn boosts employee engagement and productivity. Follow this short guide or contact us to speak with one of our experienced consultants.
Recognise
“How do I know if there’s a mental health problem?”
Respond
“Now that I have observed that there is a potential mental health issue, how will I respond?”
Key Identifying Factors
• Abnormal appearance
• Behaviour change
• Absenteeism
• Drop off in work output
• Aggressive behaviour
• Emotional outbursts
• Inappropriate communication
• Abnormal anxiety or worry
You do not need to be a psychologists to respond to these issues, but you do need to be an observant manager who knows their employees.
• Establish there is a problem
• Contact the Manager Consultation Hotline for advice on supporting your employee
• Set up a meeting
• Encourage the employee to talk and engage
• Help the employee to think it through
• Work with the employee to identify & manage the solutions (with support)
Refer
Though you have a responsibility to provide a duty of care to all employees, try not to feel as though you must solve your employee’s emotional issues. However, you do need to try and resolve its impact in the workplace and, where possible, support the employee through:
• Trauma Clinic
• Employee Assistance Program
• Human Resources
• Coaching and Support Program
TELUS Health provides experienced psychologists with managerial experience on the manager consultation, who are here to assist and support managers to more effectively: lead through change, understand mental health issues and manage situational crises.
Australia: 1300 361 008
5 Things you need to know about QSPP
The transition from the Quality Care Pharmacy Program (QCPP) to the Quality and Safety Pharmacy Program (QSPP) is the biggest change to community pharmacy accreditation in almost 30 years. Designed to better reflect modern pharmacy practice, QSPP introduces a new framework focused on quality, safety and continuous improvement.
Designed to better reflect the expanding role of community pharmacy within Australia's healthcare system, QSPP introduces a more contemporary accreditation framework focused on quality, safety and patient outcomes. With several important changes already underway, here are five things pharmacies should have on their radar.
1. QSPP Is More Than a Name Change
QSPP is built around the new Australian Community Pharmacy Standard (AS85000:2024), providing a contemporary framework that aligns community pharmacy with broader healthcare quality and safety expectations.
The new program has been streamlined from five domains to four integrated domains, placing a stronger focus on patient outcomes, risk management, clinical governance and continuous improvement. While many existing quality activities will remain familiar, pharmacies will be expected to demonstrate how their systems and processes support safe, high-quality care.
2. The Accreditation Cycle Is Changing
One of the biggest shifts under QSPP is the move from a two-year accreditation cycle to a three-year cycle. The new model will include a virtual mid-cycle review, encouraging pharmacies to maintain ongoing quality improvement throughout the accreditation period.
It's important to note that the threeyear cycle will not commence until after a pharmacy has completed its first QSPP onsite assessment. Pharmacies scheduled for a QCPP assessment before 1 October 2026
will continue to follow the existing QCPP requirements, standards and assessment processes until 30 September 2026.
Pharmacies should also be aware of changes to accreditation costs. From 1 July 2026, the annual Accreditation Fee increased by $100 to $2,500 plus GST. The American Express surcharge also increased to 1.95% plus GST. These changes should be considered as part of accreditation planning and budgeting for the years ahead.
3. Understand Your Accreditation Expiry Date
As part of the transition, pharmacies have been advised of their new accreditation expiry dates. However, this date is often misunderstood. Your accreditation expiry date is not your assessment date. To maintain accreditation status, pharmacies must complete their assessment and address any non-conformances before the expiry date.
If you are unsure of your transition arrangements or accreditation timeline, it is worth confirming these details early to allow adequate time for planning and preparation.
4. Multi-Factor Authentication and the New Knowledge Hub Are Here
To strengthen security and better protect pharmacy information, MultiFactor Authentication (MFA) has now been introduced for the QSPP Customer Portal. Registered users will receive instructions via email to complete a one-time setup process.
Once MFA has been activated, users can access both the Customer Portal and the new QSPP Knowledge Hub using a single login. The Knowledge Hub provides access to standards, guidance materials, tools and
resources designed to support pharmacies through the transition and beyond. Pharmacies should also ensure their portal contact details are current so they continue to receive important accreditation updates and communications..
5. A New S2/S3 Training Pathway
QSPP will introduce an alternative S2 and S3 training pathway for pharmacy assistants on International Student Visas who are unable to enrol in the accredited SIRCIND002 unit due to CRICOS restrictions.
Eligible staff can complete an approved alternative course through participating Registered Training Organisations (RTOs), with successful completion accepted for accreditation purposes. Pharmacies employing affected staff should ensure appropriate evidence of training completion is retained as part of their accreditation records.
Preparing for the Transition
QSPP represents a significant evolution in community pharmacy accreditation. While the transition will involve some changes to accreditation processes, timelines and requirements, the overall focus remains the same: supporting pharmacies to deliver safe, highquality patient care.
By understanding the new standards, accreditation cycle, assessment requirements and support resources available, pharmacies will be well placed to make a smooth transition when QSPP commences on 1 October 2026.
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What my impromptu focus group taught me about community pharmacy
If you know me and my love for community pharmacy, you'll also know I have a slight obsession with research and data. I love understanding how people think, so while preparing for my upcoming Pharmacy Forum presentation, I decided to run an impromptu focus group.
This time, the participants were my girlfriends. None of them work in pharmacy. More importantly, they represent the exact audience many community pharmacies are trying to reach.
I sent them one message.
"I'm putting together a presentation for work and need your help! I'll keep you anonymous but I'd love to know... What health services do you know your local community pharmacy offers for women? Please don't Google it, just answer with your own knowledge. Thanks so much! I owe you a wine."
The replies started coming through almost immediately.
"General health checks, you can get medications for thrush and BV over the counter, the emergency contraceptive pill... maybe more things for menopause? I'm not sure what other specific health services they have for women."
"Haha ok sooo... I don't know much. So tempted to Google..."
"I know they have a naturopath and they do vaccines and weight loss consultations... otherwise no clue for specific women's stuff."
"I really have no idea what health services my local pharmacy offers other than meds and vaccines. I haven't asked or looked into it before."
"I am not the right person to answer. I know nothing."
Reading through the responses, I wasn't overly surprised. Having worked alongside community pharmacies for close to a decade, I know the breadth of clinical services they can provide. But what I've also noticed through conversations with friends and family outside of pharmacy is just how little awareness there is of what's available.
So, in all honesty, I wasn't surprised that not one of the women mentioned UTI prescribing. Yet, when I stopped and thought about it, they are exactly the women who could benefit from a service like this.
They're all in their 30s. Some are mums, some aren't, but every one of them has a busy life, a career they're passionate about and a calendar that's already overflowing. They're time poor, juggling a million things at once and looking for convenience wherever they can find it.
For someone like that, being able to visit their local community pharmacy for an eligible UTI consultation could save them valuable time, help them access care sooner and get them back to feeling like themselves.
But if they don't know the service exists, how can they choose it?
Working in community pharmacy, it's easy to assume people know what you do. We know how much the profession has evolved. We know about prescribing services, consultation rooms, vaccinations, sleep services, weight management and all the other incredible health services being delivered every day.
Our communities don't. And honestly, why would they? If no one is consistently telling them these services exist, we can't expect them
to magically know. That little focus group reminded me of something I say to pharmacies all the time.
We can't rely on the community to stumble across our services.
If we want people to use them, we need to help them discover them. That's why every community pharmacy should have a local marketing plan that consistently raises awareness of its health services.
Not to "sell" healthcare, but to educate the community, build trust and make it easy for people to understand how their local pharmacy can support them and their family. It should be easy to find information, easy to book and easy to understand the role community pharmacy can play in someone's healthcare journey.
That's exactly what I'll be unpacking at Pharmacy Forum. Not just how to market one health service, but how to build a simple, repeatable marketing system that can be applied to every service your pharmacy offers.
Community pharmacy is entering one of the most exciting chapters I've seen. Full scope is creating incredible opportunities to improve access to healthcare, strengthen the role of pharmacists and deliver even more services within our communities. But introducing a new service is only half the job. The other half is making sure the people who could benefit from it know it's there. After all, you're already delivering incredible care.
Let's make sure more people know about it.
Sarah Rendell is Head of Marketing and Communications at Peak Strategies
Business Support Update: Understanding Vaccine
Eligibility, Funding and Supply Pathways
Administering a vaccine is often the simplest part of the vaccination process.
For many community pharmacists, the greater challenge lies in determining whether a patient is eligible, identifying the most appropriate funding pathway, and ensuring the vaccine can be supplied and administered in accordance with current legislation and program requirements.
With vaccines available through the National Immunisation Program (NIP), WA State-funded programs, private supply arrangements, navigating the available pathways can quickly become complex.
More Than Just Administering a Vaccine
While many people see vaccination as a straightforward service, pharmacists undertake a detailed assessment before administering any vaccine. This includes:
• Determining whether the patient is eligible for vaccination, including age and risk based criteria being assessed
• Confirming which vaccine is appropriate
• Reviewing vaccination history
• Identifying the most appropriate funding pathways
• Ensuring compliance with state and national immunisation guidelines These considerations can vary significantly between vaccines and patient cohorts, making a thorough assessment essential.
Understanding Funding Arrangements
One of the most common areas of confusion, is funding eligibility. A patient's eligibility for a funded
vaccine may depend on factors such as:
• Age
• Medical risk conditions (MRC)
• Vulnerability
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander status
• Previous vaccination history
Determining the correct funding pathway ensures patients receive appropriate access to vaccines while supporting accurate claiming and program compliance.
The Resources Supporting Safe Vaccination
Several resources work together to support vaccination services in community pharmacy, including:
• The WA Immunisation Schedule
• The Australian Immunisation Handbook
• The Australian Immunisation Register (AIR)
These tools assist pharmacists in determining whether a vaccine is funded under the National Immunisation Program (NIP), available through Western Australia's State-funded vaccination programs, or supplied privately. They also help identify situations where referral to a medical practitioner may be appropriate.
Navigating Supply Pathways
Once eligibility has been established, pharmacists also need to determine how the vaccine will be supplied. Depending on the vaccine and patient circumstances, this may involve:
• NIP-funded stockState-funded vaccine programs
• Private stock
• Referral for prescription
Understanding these distinctions
is important for both compliance and patient communication.
Convenient Access to Important Vaccines
For eligible patients, community pharmacies provide a convenient pathway to receive a range of important vaccinations, including, influenza, shingles, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) and other vaccines authorised under SASA arrangements.
Providing these services in community pharmacies allows patients to access care closer to home and often with greater flexibility than traditional healthcare settings.
A Trusted Healthcare Destination
Every vaccination consultation involves multiple decisions before and after administration occurs.
Eligibility, vaccine selection, supply arrangements, maintaining accurate records, reporting vaccinations to the Australian Immunisation Register, managing claims under the appropriate funding programs and legislative requirements all need to be considered to ensure correct practice in maintained.
While vaccination services continue to evolve within community pharmacy, access to reliable resources and a clear understanding of available programs remain critical to delivering safe, compliant and efficient immunisation services.
ANNA GEHA & MELISSA BENSON Business Support Pharmacists
PHARMACY WA FORUM 2026
The Pharmacy Guild of Australia and the Forum Organising Committee would like to thank and acknowledge our sponsors. Without their support the Pharmacy WA Forum would not be possible.
The Pharmacy Guild of Australia and the Forum Organising Committee would like to thank and acknowledge our sponsors. Without their support the Pharmacy WA Forum would not be possible.
