PHARMACY Guild Victorian branch president Anthony Tassone (pictured) was among the dignitaries interviewed yesterday at the formal launch of the new SafeScript real-time prescription monitoring system, which will be online in Western Victoria from today.
The event at Ballarat Hospital commemorated the debut of the "most comprehensive and cutting-edge real-time prescription monitoring system in Australia," according to Vic Minister for Health, Jill Hennessy.
More than 400 sites across the Western Victoria Primary Health Network catchment are part of the inaugural rollout of SafeScript, with locations including Ararat, Ballarat, Geelong, Maryborough, Stawell and Warrnambool.
The $29.5 million project will be implemented across the rest of the state during 2019.
"Too many Victorians have died from the misuse of prescription medicines," Hennessy said.
"We've listened to the experts, who say this is the most effective way of arresting the scourge of prescription medication overdoses".
Tassone said the Guild strongly supported the SafeScript rollout.
"Given the funding commitment from the Federal Government to support the implementation of real-time monitoring across Australia, we implore other States and Territories to ensure they have systems in place for real-time monitoring as soon as possible to help protect their communities," Tassone said.
The project will give doctors, pharmacists and nurse practitioners up-to-the-minute information on the prescription histories of their patients, monitoring all Schedule 8 medicines as well as other drugs such as codeine and diazepam.
A new awareness campaign has also launched to highlight the dangers of some prescription medicines, with TV advertising complemented by comprehensive training and support for health practitioners across the state.
There is also a dedicated pharmaceuticals hotline on 1800 737 233 offering free, expert and confidential advice and support, available around the clock for people concerned about their use of high-risk medicines.
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