GORH reports strong results from on-site pharmacist program

Lorne Nursing Home unit manager Carly Enticott, Aireys Inlet pharmacist Arnav Chug and Western Victoria Primary Health Network senior manager for aged care, Lisa Paulin. Photo: SUPPLIED

GREAT Ocean Road Health says an on-site pharmacist program introduced at its Lorne Nursing Home last year has become an important part of its aged care model.

The national initiative was established in response to recommendations from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, which called for improved medication management in residential aged care.

The Aged Care On-site Pharmacist (ACOP) program, funded locally by the Western Victoria Primary Health Network (WVPHN), places credentialed pharmacists within aged care services to support day-to-day medication oversight and strengthen communication with in clinical teams.

“The ACOP has significantly improved the quality of medication delivery and sharing of information,” GORH director of clinical services Andrea Russell said.

“Our GP and aged care staff all agree, the ACOP program has many positive benefits.”

At Lorne Nursing Home, the pharmacist provides weekly support to nurses and GPs, assisting with medication reviews, staff education, communication between providers and safer prescribing practices.

“Having a pharmacist on-site is incredibly empowering, not only for residents by also for nursing staff making confident, informed medication decisions,” nurse unit manager Carly Enticott said.

“The collaboration and holistic approach have been invaluable. Every aged care home deserves to experience the difference an ACOP can make.”

The voluntary program was implemented nationally in July last year, and WVPHN’s aged care team is working to facilitate the rollout of the program in rural and regional aged care homes.

“The feedback we’re hearing is incredibly positive,” WVPHN chief executive Craig Wilding said.

“We’re really proud of our aged care team, who are leading the way to support every residential aged care home in western Victoria to strengthen the relationship between pharmacists and care teams.”

For more information about the ACOP program, contact the WVPHN aged care team via email at [email protected]