17 May 2023
You might recall that in 2021, Royal Commissioners presented their final report of The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. The report included a number of recommendations including the engagement of a dedicated pharmacist in each aged care centre to provide expert medication and associated health advice for residents and staff.
Details of how this will be implemented are currently being finalised in consultation with aged care providers (like IRT), and the federal government.
In preparation, and to ensure we understand how best to optimise the service when introduced, we will soon begin a pilot at two of our aged care centres in the Illawarra region, including the care centre where your loved one lives.
The pilot will see a registered pharmacist engaged from 15 May to 31 August to work alongside care centre staff, your loved one’s GP, and all other health care professionals involved in your loved one’s care, to ensure ongoing best-practice medication management and opportunities for improvement.
Before beginning work at the care centre for three days per week, the pharmacist will undertake all relevant aged care clinical training, and will be required to meet all other requirements of those working in IRT aged care centres.
Following completion of the pilot a report will be prepared for review and the outcomes shared with all relevant stakeholders including you and your loved one.
Please note: There is no additional cost to you or your loved one and the on-site pharmacist will not replace the services of the current provider of your loved one’s medications. They will continue to pack and supply your loved one’s prescribed medicines.
Pharmacist’s details
Name: Stephanie Ashton/ Sarah Gharaibeh
Email address: IRTEmbeddedPharmacistIllawarra@irt.org.au
Days of the week on site: Monday, Wednesday and Friday
If you would like to talk to the pharmacist please speak with your Care Manager to arrange a discussion.
Thank you for your ongoing support.
Yours sincerely
Rebecca Perry
Operations Manager – Illawarra Region
