Using their expertise and knowledge, Pharmacists ensure that the medicines prescribed to patients are suitable, the supply is within the law and patients are properly educated on the potential side effects.
This year’s theme for World Pharmacist Day, set out by the International Pharmaceutical Federation, is ‘pharmacy united in action for a healthier world’. The day encouraged activities that promote and advocate for the role of the pharmacist in improving health in every corner of the world.
We spoke with Peninsula Health Director of Pharmacy, Nicholas Jones, to learn more about the profession.
How long have you been working in Pharmacy?
I’ve been a pharmacist for 30 years, starting with my internship at the Royal Melbourne Hospital in 1992. I’ve since worked in hospitals in Melbourne, Darwin and the UK as a clinical pharmacist, an educator and then a manager. I came to work at Peninsula Health as Director of Pharmacy in 2017.
What is your favourite aspect of working in Pharmacy?
One of my favourite aspects of hospital pharmacy is working as part of a team. Pharmacists bring a really valuable perspective and skills to clinical teams providing direct patient care, but also to projects looking to implement change and improve the quality, safety and accessibility of care.
Why is it important for pharmacists to advise people on how to properly take their medicine?
There’s a lot more to pharmacy than dispensing medicines. Helping our consumers understand the best way to take a medicine and what effects it can have is essential to achieve the safest, most effective result. Prescribing a medicine is the most common intervention in healthcare, so getting it right can make a huge difference to the community as a whole.
What does this year’s theme, ‘’, mean to you?
I’m reminded that connection with peers and colleagues has been extremely challenging during the pandemic. Despite this, pharmacy as a profession has played a critical role in supporting vaccination programs around the world and ensuring complex antivirals are used safely. I think now, more than ever, it’s important for pharmacists to unite, support each other and work together to improve the health of our communities.