Pharmacies in New Zealand Koroleva Maria Faculty of General Medecine 25 group Introduction Pharmacy revolves around people and medicines, with special emphasis on the manufacture of medicines, their supply, appropriate use and effects. The ultimate concern of pharmacy is to ensure that the patient receives the appropriate medicines and benefits from the proper use of these. Pharmacy is an essential part of the healthcare system in New Zealand. Over 50 million prescriptions for medicines are dispensed each year in New Zealand. Pharmacy is an ever-developing profession that offers excellent career prospects. The work is interesting and varied offering the opportunity to join the healthcare team in safeguarding the nation's health. Careers in Pharmacy Pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and pharmacy assistants all have specialised roles in pharmacy. Pharmacists require a university degree and practical training whereas pharmacy technicians and assistants can either train on the job and earn whilst gaining their qualifications, or gain a qualification through full time study in a variety of settings. Community Pharmacy Situated in the cities, shopping malls and rural towns the community pharmacy is familiar to everyone. There are over 900 pharmacies in New Zealand, which are visited every day by thousands of people to have their prescriptions dispensed or to buy pharmacy-related products. The community pharmacy also provides advice and counselling on the maintenance of good health. Pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and assistants have distinct roles in community pharmacy. General practice pharmacists Some pharmacists in New Zealand work in general practices as a member of the health care team. They work together with patients, doctors, nurses and other health professionals to help ensure medicine use is safe and effective. They may see patients to ensure they have the knowledge and information they need about their medicines and health conditions. Pharmacists in general practice also provide information and advice about medicines to doctors and nurses. Hospital Pharmacy Hospital pharmacists in New Zealand provide help and advice to hospital patients in all aspects of their medicines. They work collaboratively alongside doctors, nurses and other hospital staff and play a key role in making sure the medication used during a patient’s hospital stay is evidence based, safe and effective. They give advice such as the best choices of medication, doses to use, how medication works, possible side effects and interactions between medications. Prescribing Pharmacists Some specialised pharmacists have also completed extra post-graduate study at university to become Pharmacist prescribers and can prescribe prescription medicines. It takes at least 7-8 years of university study. Pharmacist Prescribers work alongside doctors and other health professionals, usually in general practice or hospital or other places such as marae clinics and rest homes. Their role is to use their extensive training and knowledge of medicines to work with patients to maximise the benefits from medicines, reduce any harm and to improve access for patients. Vaccinations New Zealand pharmacists who have completed an approved vaccinator training course can administer a variety of vaccines including the flu vaccine, measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, whooping cough (pertussis) vaccine, meningococcal vaccine. Pharmacy chains Thank you for your attention!
