THE Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has expressed its support for the recent enhancements to health services in the Northern Territory (NT), announced in the state's Budget this week by Chief Minister Eva Lawler.
The NT Budget will allocate $12 million for the design and preparation stages of a new 120-bed residential aged care facility within the Palmerston Regional Health Precinct.
Additionally, it provides $108 million for various mental health initiatives at the Royal Darwin Hospital.
Dr Manya Angley, PSA's NT and South Australia President, emphasised the importance of this funding increasing healthcare accessibility.
She particularly noted the opportunities it creates for pharmacists to contribute to quality aged care and mental health services.
Dr Angley highlighted the role pharmacists will play in the soon-to-be-launched 'Aged Care On-site Pharmacists' (ACOP) program, which aims to ensure the Quality Use of Medicines and reduce medicine-related risks in aged care settings.
"The announcement of a new facility in Palmerston is another opportunity for pharmacists to support older Territorians through the soon to be launched federally-funded ACOP program."
Furthermore, Dr Angley pointed out that the increased investment in mental health services at the Royal Darwin Hospital would enable pharmacists to better support mental health across the Territory by optimising medication use.
She affirmed PSA's ongoing commitment to work with the NT govt to ensure accessible and comprehensive care for all Territorians, leveraging the full expertise of pharmacists across the health network.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 15 May 24
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