Advocating for Change: The Pharmaceutical Society’s Vision for Rural Healthcare

• Tell us about your Organisation and why you decided to become a Member of the Network.

The Pharmaceutical Society of New Zealand (PSNZ) is the professional association representing over 3,000 pharmacists from all sectors of pharmacy practice as well as students, interns and technicians. We are dedicated to advancing the pharmacy profession, promoting excellence in pharmacy practice and education, and advocating for our members and the health and wellbeing of our communities.

Our rural pharmacies can be quite isolated. We held a rural hui in April to bring everyone together to discuss the current challenges and potential solutions. As part of that work, we asked our members if they would be interested in joining the Rural Health Network as a way of fostering more connections. The response from our pharmacists was a resounding yes, so here we are. Prior to us joining, one of our members attended your annual conference and found it really beneficial. We look forward to more opportunities to connect in the future.

• What are some of the key challenges or opportunities you’re seeing in rural health right now, and how is your team addressing them?

Rural pharmacy offers a unique and rewarding career opportunity, with close ties to local communities. Pharmacy plays an integral part in local healthcare, often being the first point of contact for many New Zealanders. Our rural pharmacies have told us that change is needed to ensure rural pharmacy is sustainable. Rural pharmacies are under considerable pressure, and have been for some time, similar to other health sector groups.

Rural pharmacies are treating more people with minor and some acute conditions, as people can’t get GP appointments. Workforce shortages are a big issue, and burnout and stress are key issues for pharmacy teams. Funding is another key issue, as well as some systemic challenges, such as outdated systems and the need for less bureaucracy. Pharmacists can help take the pressure off general practice, and we could do more if enabled and funded properly.

PSNZ is advocating a lot more for our members, with key stakeholders including Ministers, Health New Zealand and other pharmacy groups.

• Is there a particular project, initiative, or success story you’d like to share that others in the sector might find inspiring or useful?

PSNZ has helped to bring together all the major pharmacy groups in New Zealand as part of the newly formed Pharmacy Leaders Forum Group. Together, we aim to push for real change in the sector.

• What would you like other members or readers to know —whether it’s a piece of advice, something unexpected about your work, or how they can connect with you?

We’ve recently launched a new campaign called ‘Unleashing Pharmacy’s Potential’, which we hope the sector will get behind and support us. Pharmacists and technicians need more recognition of the work that they do, and how they could do more within their scopes of practice if funded appropriately. We advocate strongly for our members and do our best to tell their stories so people are aware of the challenges and potential solutions in pharmacy.

We welcome connecting with others, particularly in primary care and hospitals, on how we can work together for the benefit of New Zealanders, particularly our rural communities.