The Albanese Government is providing $333.7 million for community pharmacies and residential aged care homes to employ pharmacists to work on-site in residential aged care homes.
On-site pharmacists will work alongside other aged care professionals to improve medication management and ensure older people are using their medications safely.
This investment will give residents and care providers regular and reliable access to pharmacist advice about safe and appropriate use of medicines.
Having trusted pharmacists on-site to regularly review medications will give older people and their families more trust and confidence in the care they are receiving.
We want older people to have access to high quality healthcare that's right for them and delivered through a team of professionals including general practitioners, nurses and pharmacists.
From 1 July 2024, community pharmacies have been able to access funding of $138,282 per annum for a full time equivalent aged care on-site pharmacist.
Also from 1 July 2024, where community pharmacies are unable orchoose not to participate or a suitable agreement is not reached between the residential aged care home and the pharmacy, residential aged care homes can employ pharmacists directly.
Visit the department's website to find more information about Aged care on-site pharmacists.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Aged Care, Anika Wells:
"Making sure older people have access to safe and quality healthcare is a priority for the Albanese Government.
"Having pharmacists on-site in residential aged care homes gives greater assurance to residents and their families that their medications are being managed safely and appropriately.
"Residents of aged care homes and their care providers will benefit from the clinical care provided by the on-site pharmacist, including easy access to flu vaccines and COVID boosters."
