610017 SHPA Ann Rep 2003 Ruth - The Society of Hospital ...

The Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia 

Annual Report 2003 

Mission Statement 

Committed to promoting the quality use of medicines through leading edge pharmacy practice 

The Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia (SHPA) is the 

professional body which represents over 1,500 pharmacists 

and pharmacy technicians practising in hospitals and related 

parts of the health service throughout Australia. 

Established in 1941, the Society has a long-standing 

commitment to the profession of hospital pharmacy and to the 

profession’s role in ensuring optimal health outcomes for 

Australians by the quality use of medicines, which is 

encapsulated in the mission statement. 

The changing nature of health care delivery is also reflected in 

the current diversity of SHPA membership which whilst 

maintaining a strong public hospital base, now draws members 

from a range of practice settings include public and private 

hospitals, community pharmacy, academia, research, industry, 

consultant pharmacy and a range of quality use of medicines 

projects and programs. 

Fundamental to the success of SHPA is the culture of 

cooperation and contribution that is reflected in the high level 

of membership involvement. 

The Society is proud to present its Annual Report for the year 

ending 30th June 2003. 

CONTENTS 

Federal Secretariat 2 

Membership Report 2 

Federal Council 3 

From the President 4 

Education and Professional 

Development 6 

Practice Standards 7 

Research and Development 8 

Rural Network 8 

Publications 9 

Branches 10 

Financial Report 13 

ANNUAL REPORT 2003 ABN 54 004 553 806 The Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia

Federal Secretariat 

The Secretariat plays a critical role in serving the needs of members and supporting 

the many activities of the Society. 

Members of the Federal Secretariat Staff as at 30th June 2003: 

Yvonne Allinson 

Anna Caio 

Eddie Eswararajah 

Nicole Toon 

Madelene O’Halloran 

Rosie McKew 

Christina Tierney 

Executive Director 

Administrative Coordinator 

Finance Officer 

Assistant to Federal Secretariat (part-time) 

Assistant to Federal Secretariat (part-time) 

Managing Editor Journal of Pharmacy Practice and Research (part-time) 

Administrative Assistant Journal of Pharmacy Practice and Research (part-time) 

During the year, SHPA bid a fond farewell to Irene Georganakis (Assistant to Federal Secretariat) who left to take up a new career challenge. Irene’s 

friendliness and cheerful contribution to so many SHPA members’ services over the years are well known across all Branches of SHPA and gratefully 

acknowledged. 

Membership Report to 30th June 2003 

STUDENT MEMBER HONORARY LIFE TECHNICIAN OVERSEAS INACTIVE TOTAL % 

ACT 6 26 1 2 0 0 1 36 2.32 

NSW 19 289 2 18 11 0 14 353 22.74 

VIC 33 379 3 32 36 0 18 501 32.28 

QLD 19 211 0 11 8 2 9 260 16.75 

SA & NT 32 112 1 6 12 0 6 171 11.02 

WA 11 109 1 6 17 0 6 147 9.47 

TAS 3 40 1 0 1 0 0 46 2.96 

O/SEAS 0 1 2 0 0 34 1 38 2.45 

TOTAL 123 1167 11 75 85 36 55 1552 100 


ACN 004 553 806 

ABN 54 004 553 806 

Suite 3, 27-33 Raglan Street, South Melbourne, Victoria 3205 

Telephone 61 3 9690 6733 

Facsimile 61 3 9696 7634 

Email shpa@shpa.org.au 

Website www.shpa.org.au 

Patron 

His Excellency, The Governor of Victoria 

Publisher 


2 

The Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia ABN 54 004 553 806 ANNUAL REPORT 2003

Federal Council 

Members of Federal Council as at 30th June 2003. 

Executive 

Helen Matthews Neil Keen Sue Kirsa Helen Dowling 

Federal President Federal Vice President Federal Treasurer Immediate 

Past President 

Councillors 

Susan Alexander Naomi Burgess Catherine Drake Christine Maclean 

Paul Muir Danielle Stowasser Penny Thornton 

The Society acknowledges the contribution of retiring Councillor Michael Wiese (TAS), due to his relocation to South 

Australia and welcomes new Councillor Catherine Drake (TAS). 

Entrance to Federal 

Secretariat building at 

27-33 Raglan Street, 

South Melbourne. 

ANNUAL REPORT 2003 ABN 54 004 553 806 The Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia

From the President 

In 2002/3 the Society has continued to promote quality use of medicines through leading edge pharmacy practice. 

Through its representation, SHPA has been working for its membership by advocating for the recognition and 

advancement of the profession. At the same time it has continued to play a pivotal role in setting standards of 

professional practice. The Annual Report provides an overview, demonstrating the depth and diversity of 

professional practice involvement as well as the substantial contribution and commitment of the organisation’s 

membership. 

The SHPA Mission Statement continues to encapsulate the current and future goals of our membership, as they 

develop new professional services and are involved in current and emerging best practice in hospitals and related 

health services. A partnership approach with consumers, other members of the health care team, their 

professional or representative organisations and with government, is fundamental to the achievement of those 

goals. With reference to the Society’s Strategic Plan, many key activities will be highlighted in this Report. 

The CORE strategic areas are: 

• ADVOCACY - To increase the understanding of the value of hospital 

pharmacy services by governments, health providers and consumers 

• WORKFORCE - To highlight to governments and health providers the 

current recruitment and retention problems for hospital pharmacists and 

the impact on patient care 

• MEMBERSHIP - To provide valued services to SHPA members in all 

membership categories 

INTEGRAL to the core strategic areas are: 

• EDUCATION, PRACTICE STANDARDS, PUBLICATIONS, RESEARCH, 

GRANTS & AWARDS 

The Society must always consider implications of: 

• COMMUNICATION - With information to members and as advocacy for 

professional pharmacy services 

• REVENUE - As competing demands for expenditure mean that scarce 

resources must be used for the greatest benefit to SHPA membership 

SHPA Strategic Plan Diagram 

The Society must always be cognisant of the impact of the environment: 

• EXTERNAL FACTORS, HEALTH POLICY, LEGISLATION, CONSTITUTION 

ISSUES, OTHER ORGANISATIONS 

It is not possible to acknowledge all who contribute to SHPA, but by naming members throughout this Report, the 

Society aims to recognise particular projects and to provide reference points for contact. Member involvement is 

essential to a range of member services and activities, especially in the provision of quality education products. 

On behalf of Federal Council, I sincerely acknowledge the enthusiasm, generosity and commitment of the many 

members of our Society who contribute so much. 

Special congratulations go to the following who have been recognised for their achievements and contributions 

to hospital pharmacy by receiving prestigious Society awards in 2003: 

• Fred J Boyd Award recipient: Ms Mary Hemming 

• GlaxoSmithKline Medal of Merit recipient: Mr Michael Dooley 

• SHPA Australian Clinical Pharmacy Award: Mr Ian Coombes 

Finally, I would also like to sincerely acknowledge the fine leadership qualities of our immediate Past President 

Ms Helen Dowling. Her achievements on behalf of SHPA have been considerable and have set a solid framework 

for the Society to move forward with ongoing input from Federal Council, the Executive Director and Federal 

Secretariat staff. 

HELEN MATTHEWS 

Federal President 

4 


Advocacy 

Increasing the status, influence and profile of the profession of hospital pharmacy 

Liaison and promotion activities to increase the understanding (by governments, health providers and consumers) of 

the value of hospital pharmacy services (i.e. in terms of patient outcomes) have taken place: 

• The Australian Council for Safety and Quality in Health Care, Medication Safety Taskforce, High Risk Medication 

Alerts Project (Councillor Penny Thornton, Councillor Danielle Stowasser, Di Aldous, James Reeve, Yvonne Allinson) 

• MediConnect (formerly BMMS) Development Group, MediConnect Hospital Working Group, HealthConnect 

(Councillor Penny Thornton, Yvonne Allinson) 

• Advice on “e-prescribing and decision support, medicine administration”, Health Online Summit, Medicines Coding 

Council of Australia and SHPA Structured Drug Codes, National Supply Chain Reform Taskforce, Standards Australia 

IT/14 Health Informatics and Prescription Working Group IT/14/6/4 (Councillor Danielle Stowasser, Councillor Penny 

Thornton, John Barned, Peter Stuchbery, Ron Harper, Yvonne Allinson) 

• Australian Pharmaceutical Advisory Council (APAC), Consumer Medicines Information (Councillor Helen Dowling, 

Councillor Penny Thornton, Yvonne Allinson) 

• The APAC Continuum of Care Guidelines (Karen O’Leary, Councillor Danielle Stowasser, Councillor Helen Dowling, 

Yvonne Allinson) 

• Health Ministers, Ministerial Advisers and Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing Officers regarding 

pharmacist shortages and impacts on patient care, the Australian Health Care Agreements, Medicines Funding in 

public hospitals (Federal Council, Branches, Yvonne Allinson) 

• National Prescribing Service activities and working sub-groups (Paula Doherty, Jennifer Macdonald, Helen Dowling) 

• Health Professions Council of Australia (Councillor Paul Muir, Yvonne Allinson) 

Workforce 

Highlighting recruitment and retention problems for hospital pharmacists and the impact on patient care. 

Pharmacy workforce issues remain a clear priority for SHPA with staff shortages and the impact on patient services 

continuing to be a concern across most States and Territories. At a national level, work continues to bring this 

issue to the attention of all State, Territory and Commonwealth Ministers for Health by highlighting the impact of 

pharmacist shortages on patient care, especially regarding quality use of medicines and medication safety. 

A number of SHPA activities have taken place to accumulate workforce data and to formulate policy to improve 

workforce issues on a range of fronts: 

• Input to the national study of the “Supply and Demand of Pharmacists to 2010” which was released in February 

2003, including data from the SHPA Snapshot Study (www.shpa.org.au/documents/snapshotworkforce.pdf) and 

Demand Model for Hospital Pharmacy (www.shpa.org.au/documents/demandworkforce.pdf). (Councillor Sue 

Kirsa, Councillor Naomi Burgess, Karen O’Leary, John Jackson, Yvonne Allinson) 

• Coordination of the Australian Pharmacy Conference October 2002 “Pharmacy Workforce Challenges - Creating 

our Future” with delegates from SHPA, PDL, Guild, AACP, AIPM, APESMA, COPRA, AHP, PSA, CHPSANZ, IPSF, 

NAPSA, Schools of Pharmacy (www.shpa.org.au/documents/apc_report_feb03.pdf). Outcomes agreed for 

profession wide-action included: Longitudinal tracking of workforce members, More graduates, More 

training/use of support staff, Address salary differential hospital/community, More pre-registration training 

places in hospitals, Joint hospital/community pre-registration positions, Joint hospital/community mentor 

programs, Targeted profession wide re-entry courses, Government funded clinical training staff/mentors. 

(Councillor Helen Dowling, Yvonne Allinson) 

• Input to the Australian Health Care Agreement Reference Group on Health Workforce, Education and Training. 

(Yvonne Allinson) 

• Information from all this work has been used extensively in letters and presentations and to answer workforce 

related queries from all levels of Government. By actively sharing letters and responses within SHPA, Branches 

have been able to adapt materials to use in discussions with their own Health Departments and to answer media 

queries. (Federal Council, Branches) 

• Key workforce directions have been identified for further action: Expose more pharmacists to hospital practice 

(not a static 15%), Create a dynamic “ebb and flow”, Become a “magnet” - flexible conditions and rewarding 

work, Consider needs of a feminised workforce, Discover more about incentives, Construct an incentive package. 

ANNUAL REPORT 2003 ABN 54 004 553 806 The Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia 5

Membership 

Providing valued services for all SHPA membership categories. 

Membership services are a continuing focus of Federal Council and all Branch Committees to identify and provide 

a range of services valued by members. Key indications of members needs were again confirmed in the 2003 SHPA 

Membership survey. Members rated their top eight members’ services to be (in order of importance): 

1. Advocacy for hospital pharmacy at a national level 

2. Journal of Pharmacy Practice and Research 

3. Educational clinical seminars and workshops 

4. Branch CE lectures and events 

5. Advocacy for hospital pharmacy at a branch level 

6. Federal Conference 

7. Branch conferences 

8. Continuing Professional Development Program 

These priorities will be further investigated with Branches to consider how new activities can most efficiently and 

effectively be provided, including better support for continuing education for members in non-metropolitan areas. 

The long term financial base for SHPA member activities was supported by completion of the centralisation of all 

accounting functions under the direction of SHPA Finance Officer, Mr Eddie Eswararajah. In due course, this should 

free up resources for member services at Branch level. Thanks go to all Branch Treasurers for their ongoing cooperation 

and patience. 

Continuing upgrade and services via the SHPA website will be continued, as this area is well used by members and 

others. The Hospital Pharmacy JOBS page (www.shpa.org.au/jobs) is being developed as a “one-stop” shop and 

will be included in workforce marketing messages to pharmacy students on a national basis. Interested members 

may view the statistics on usage of the SHPA website (at http://shpa.org.au/LOGS/webalizer). 

The Society acknowledges the kind support of “DBL & You” Mayne Pharma (www.dbl.com.au) and Baxter 

Pharmacy Services (www.baxterhealthcare.com.au) and Baxter Nutriforum (www.nutriforum.com), who were 

major sponsors of SHPA website activities this year. Website improvements would not have been possible without 

their vital financial support. 

Education and Professional Development 

Developing and maintaining the skills and competencies of pharmacists. 

It is through the provision of quality education and professional development opportunities that SHPA makes a 

major contribution to the maintenance of the skills and competencies of its members. Ongoing development and 

promotion of educational services therefore remain a cornerstone of Society activities with oversight from the 

Division of Education comprising Councillor Naomi Burgess (Chair), George Taylor, Chris Alderman, Chris Doecke, 

Jeff Hughes and Neil Cottrell. The Division continues involvement in many activities during the year, including: 

• Continuing Professional Development program 

• Clinical Conference held in Christchurch in August 2002 in partnership with the NZHPA 

• Certified Geriatric Pharmacist (CGP) Credential 

Clinical Pharmacy Seminars 

The clinical pharmacy seminars were a highlight and again highly valued by registrants. The long-standing and 

ongoing support of Pharmaceutical Defence Limited (PDL) is acknowledged as being a crucial factor in being able 

to underwrite the financial base of these educational events that are designed to improve the professional skills 

of pharmacists. Special thanks go to the various teams who conducted these seminars in 2002/3. 

6 


• Jeff Hughes, Andrew James, Michelle Sweidan, Ian Coombes and Peter Tenni conducted a Clinical 

Pharmacy for Community Pharmacists (November 2002), Introductory Clinical Pharmacy Seminar (February 

2003) and Advanced Clinical Pharmacy seminar (March 2003). 

• Anne Leversha, Amanda Sanburg, Ian Coombes, Neil Cottrell, Adam La Caze, Elaine Lum, Helen Trenerry, 

Tony Hall, James Radford, Rhonda Tulk, Danielle Stowasser (with Rita D’Amore and Sanam Souzani from 

Queensland Health) conducted a Rural Clinical Pharmacy seminar (March 2003). 

• Jill Davis, Peter Gilbar, Maree Kane, Robbie McLauchlan, Tony Hall, Kerrianne Grundie, Christine 

Carrington, and Evonne Smith conducted an Oncology Pharmacy seminar (April 2003). 

• Chris Alderman, Stefan Kowalski, Jan Jones and colleagues conducted a Neuropsychiatric Pharmacy 

seminar (May 2003). 

Practice Standards 

Encouraging the development and promulgation of professional standards and guidelines in relevant areas 

of pharmacy practice. 

The Division of Specialty Practice comprising Councillor Paul Muir (Chair), Councillor Sue Kirsa, Kay Hynes and 

Rosemary Burke continue to support the SHPA Committees of Specialty Practice (COSPs). Thanks go to Michael 

Dooley who has retired from the Division. The maintenance of practice standards is integral to the achievement 

of the Society’s Strategic Plan. The Committees meet as required to progress a range of projects, mainly in the 

areas of standards development and education. The Pharmacy Management COSP was wound up in 2002/3 and 

thanks go to the many members who served on this COSP over time. 

Pharmacy Practice Standards and Quality Use of Medicines are further improved by the direct involvement and 

individual expertise of SHPA members working as invited experts in designated national teams. Recently these 

have included: Ian Coombes (Cardiac failure), Peter Gilbar (Palliative care), Sean Turner (Paediatrics), Gina 

McLachlan (Asthma), Naomi Burgess (Casemix), Jillian Davis (Standards Australia-Oncology) and Rohan Elliott 

(Geriatrics). Chris Alderman continues his role on the advisory editorial panel of the Australian Prescriber. 

The Society sincerely acknowledges the contribution of the following COSP members (current as at 30 

June 2003) to important SHPA activities. 

Clinical Pharmacy: Michael Dooley (Chair), Antun Bogovic, Margaret Carroll, Sylvia Cuell, Kirstie Galbraith, Georgia Martinac, 

Helen Matthews (Convenor). 

Drug Information: Julie Lord (Chair), Graeme Vernon (Secretary), Cheng Choo, Shin Choo, Alan Saunders, Rodney Whyte, 

Alan Saunders (ex-officio), Paul Muir (Convenor). 

Drug Use Evaluation: Chair to be appointed, , Sarah Chao, Stephanie Wiltshire, David McKnight, Paula Doherty, Jonathan Dartnell, 

Karen Kaye, Linda Graudins, Sue Kirsa (Convenor). 

Educational Visiting: Debra Rowett (Chair), Mary Collins, Ian Coombes, Joy Gailer, Margaret Jordan, Adam LaCaze, Judith Mackson, Frank May, 

Louise Quinn, Anne Winkle, Deirdre Criddle (CM), Chris Cutts (CM), Stuart Gibb (CM), Naomi Burgess (Convenor). 

Investigational Drugs: Kay Hynes (Chair), Frances Passuello, Carol Rice, Jean Schmidt, Jill Davis, Helen Kopp, Angela Morris, 

Jacqui Streater, Lucy Nigro (SLM), Lesley Ross-Lee (SLM), Karen Luetsch (SLM), Peter Slobodian (SLM), Lee McLean (SLM), Kate McCormack 

(SLM), Anna Gelavis (SLM), Helen Matthews (Convenor). 

Medication Safety: Rosemary Burke (Chair), Bhavini Patel, Despina Moustakas, Jennifer MacDonald, Christine McKenzie, 

Kent Garrett, David Kong, Simone Corin, Ian Coombes, Chris Doecke, Naomi Burgess, Jean-Pierre Calabretto, Melita Van der 

Vreede, Helen Lovitt, Danielle Stowasser, Penny Thornton (Convenor). 

Oncology: Jill Davis (Chair), Stuart Harsley, Robert McLauchlan, Li-Ling Ng, Sheue-Ching Ooi, Jim Siderov, Angela Stefanou, 

Pat Gilchrist (SLM), Debbie Paul (SLM), Peter Gilbar (SLM), Jude Lees (SLM), Michael Wiese (SLM), Michael Cain (SLM), Sue Kirsa (Convenor). 

Parenteral Services: New chair to be appointed, Neil Keen (Acting Chair and Convenor). 

Paediatrics: Sean Turner (Chair), Paul Tait, Sally Yeung, Sonya Stacey, Lisa Pulver, Neil Keen (Convenor). 

Poisons Information: This COSP is in abeyance pending outcome of national review of Poison Information Services. 

Private Hospital Pharmacy: This COSP is reforming - John Jackson (Chair), Helen Matthews (Convenor). 

Psychiatric Pharmacy: This COSP is reforming - Janice Iwaniak (Chair), Danielle Stowasser (Convenor). 

CM-denotes corresponding member 

SLM-denotes State liaison member 


Rural Network 

Promoting and supporting rural pharmacy practice. 

The SHPA national rural adviser is Anne Leversha. Her role is to provide Federal Council with advice on rural issues 

which affect hospital pharmacy, inform Federal Council of issues which affect rural hospital pharmacy, represent 

rural hospital pharmacy at appropriate forums, promote rural hospital pharmacy and establish a network of rural 

hospital pharmacists. This group meets by teleconference 3 times a year, and seeks to promote and support rural 

practice. 

Thanks go to the 2002/3 Branch representatives who cover each State/Territory and operate as the members of the 

Rural Network: 

• Frank Andinach (Western Australia) 

• Gabrielle Couch (New South Wales) 

• Jane Mather (Northern Territory) 

• Brian Dillon (Victoria) 

• Robyn Underwood (Queensland) 

• Amanda Sanburg (South Australia) 

With the help of Rita D’Amore and Sanam Souzani (Queensland Health), a very successful inaugural Rural Clinical 

Seminar Pharmacy seminar was held in Brisbane in March 2003. Participants indicated that this would serve well 

as an annual event devoted to rural pharmacist issues and education. 

SHPA is part of the Rural and Remote Pharmacy Workforce Development Advisory Group, the Australian Rural and 

Remote Allied Health Taskforce and the Rural Pharmacists Australia Special Interest Group. As part of this work, 

Anne advises on government funded education grants to support rural hospital pharmacists. Currently two schemes 

are available. Rural members are encouraged to apply for grants from the programs. Information on the grants is 

available from the Rural pages of the SHPA website (at www.shpa.org.au/rural.htm). 

Research and Development 

Improving the techniques and practice with respect to the administration, planning, delivery and 

evaluation of hospital pharmacy services. 

Promoting original research and related activities is a key mechanism by which SHPA promotes leading edge 

pharmacy practice and supports the career development of its members. Special thanks go to members of the 

Research and Development Grants Advisory Committee (RDGAC): Margaret Duguid (Chair), Peter Barclay, Joanne 

Brien, Helen Dowling, Ceridwen Jones, Karen Kaye, Maria Kelly and Gillian Shenfield. Thanks also to Sue 

Froude (administrative assistant) and Nicole Toon (SHPA Federal Secretariat) for their contribution to the success 

of the Grants program. 

One of the major aims of the SHPA Research & Development Grants Program is to support the development of 

leading edge pharmacy practice in hospitals and related areas. To realise this aim it is important that members are: 

1. Aware of the opportunities for research and development available to them; and 

2. Informed of the outcomes of the research undertaken through Grant Program funds and the knowledge 

gained through study tours and the attendance at international conferences. 

This is achieved through promotion of the grants program and the publication of the grant reports. In 2002/2003 

SHPA grant recipients contributed 17 articles to the JPPR. 

The Society continues to be indebted to the Pharmaceutical Industry in Australia for their continuing contribution 

to the program. With Bristol Myers Squibb increasing their research grant to $16,000 this year the funds available 

to members in 2002/3 totalled $153,000. To ensure the grants program continues to attract a healthy number of 

applications several awards were changed to increase the breadth & scope of the activities that could be 

undertaken. 

RDGAC met six times during the year to assess the 52 applications submitted to the Program. Although the number 

of applications received was down on last year, the grants continued to be competitive and the standard of 

applications high. 

8 


Twenty-nine pharmacists, pre-registration trainees and technicians were successful in receiving grants to the value 

of $110,775 to assist them undertake a range of research and professional development activities. There were 

eight research awards and 21 professional development grants awarded (details below). 

To further increase the access by members to grant reports a new SHPA Research & Development Grant Reports 

section was added to the Grants section of SHPA website. Members may now access reports such as those received 

from members who have sat for the Board of Pharmaceutical Specialties and Geriatric Pharmacy examinations 

from the website. To assist members reporting on a conference or a study tour the Grants website now contains 

guidelines for writing reports. Promotion of the Grants Program continued through the regular segment in the 

JPPR, the SHPA Bulletin and the Grants section on the SHPA website. The website was further enhanced this year 

with the addition of the conditions of the SHPA Grants Program. 

Grants Awarded during 2002-2003 $Value No. of Grants 

Amgen Australian International Preceptorship Pharmacy Grant 

To Benjamin Stevenson $6,000 1 

Amgen Australia Pharmacy Technician Grant 

To Sandra Bollenhagen $3,000 1 

Baxter NW Naismith Management Grant 

To Greg Weeks $10,000 1 

Bristol-Myers Squibb Clinical Pharmacy Research Grant 

To Michael Barras, Jude Lees, Robert Marshall $24,000 1 

DBL Development Fund $15,775 for professional 11 

To Jane Carpenter, Rhonda Clifford, Stephen Fowler, Bruce Green, Steven Hass, development activities 

Rebekah Moles, Richard Plumridge, Jennifer Schneider, Paul Tait, Ee Lyn Tan, 

Rhonda Tulk, Michael Wiese, Vicki Wilmott, Helen Leach $17,500 for research 3 

Janssen-Cilag Specialist Renal Pharmacists Grant 

To Bhavini Patel $5,000 1 

Merck Sharp and Dohme Pharmacy Specialisation Grants 

To Annabel McNally, Rohan Elliott, Karen Day, Sue Scott $9,500 4 

Mundipharma Pain Management Travel Grant 

To Kamleswary Arumugam, Sean Turner $5,000 2 

Novartis Hospital Pharmacy Research Grant 

To Sharon Goldsworthy, Chin Beng Lim $15,000 2 

The Abbott Australasia Hospital Pharmacy Research Grant was not awarded in 2002/3. 

Publications 

Facilitating professional development through quality publications 

The Publications Division comprising: Christine Maclean (Chair), Danielle Stowasser, John Jackson, 

Jenny Johnstone, Graeme Vernon, Fiona Landgren, Bill Thomson, Christine Kemp, Rosie McKew and 

Nick Jones have continued their oversight role. 

The major activity underway is preparation of the 3rd Edition of the Australian Injectable Drugs 

Handbook which has commenced under the leadership of Nicki Burridge, with early support from 

Karen McNally and many other SHPA members have offered to join in as the project progresses. 

Clinical Pharmacy: A Practical Approach 2nd Edition (Editors: Jeffery Hughes, Richard Donnelly 

and Greta James-Chatgilaou) provides practical, easy-to-follow guidelines on all clinical 

pharmacy aspects of commonly encountered diseases and disorders. Revered as a unique and 

invaluable reference source by all pharmacy professionals and academics the 2nd edition has 

been completely revised and updated and is selling well. 


Journal of Pharmacy Practice and Research (JPPR) 

JOURNAL OF 

Pharmacy Practice 

and Research 

Official Journal of The Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia 

Volume 32, No. 3, September 2002 

FORMERLY 

PHARMACY• 

Editorials 

Letters to the Editor 

Medication Safety 

Therapeutics 

Geriatric Therapeutics 

THE 

HOSPITAL 

AUSTRALIAN 

OF 

JOURNAL 

DrugScan 

Book Review 

Case Reports 

Reports 

Research 

Pharmacy Practice 

Other Sections 

Effective pharmacist involvement in the healthcare team improves patient outcomes 

Michael Roberts 171 

National Competition Policy Review of Pharmacy 

John Low 174 

Pharmacist shortage 

Suzanne Kainey 175 

The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme and public hospitals 

Robert James 175 

National Community Pharmacy Database Project 

Con Berbatis 177 

What price safety Changes to test methods and certification for cytotoxic cabinets 

Bruce Graham, Jill Davis 177 

Receiving cytotoxic drugs—standard practice or Russian Roulette 

Jim Siderov, Maryann Bayles 178 

Palmar-plantar erythrodysaesthesia associated with an initial course of bolus fluorouracil 

Peter Gilbar 178 

National Medicines Symposium 2002 

David Kong 179 

Further education—ever thought of a business degree 

Ruth Harris 180 

Medication safety series 

Edited by Penny Thornton 181 

Treatment of primary pulmonary hypertension 

Karen E Hirth,Trevor J Williams 185 

Treatment of dyslipidaemia in the elderly 

Richard J MacIsaac, George Jerums 188 

Developments in respiratory medicine—2002 

Karin Nyfort-Hansen 194 

Developments in infectious diseases—2002 

Jeffery D Hughes 197 

Breaking news 200 

Medicines in the elderly 

Jeffery D Hughes 208 

Infliximab in refractory Behcet’s disease 

David J Maxwell 209 

Ketamine as a possible cause of delirium 

Simon Wein, Odette Spruyt, Rebecca Chapman 212 

Child and adolescent psychiatry—an update from Hawaii 

David P Ellis 216 

So that was IT:The Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences 

Jean-Pierre Calabretto 219 

A randomised controlled trial of medication liaison services—acceptance and use by 

health professionals 

Danielle A Stowasser, David M Collins, Michael Stowasser 221 

General practitioner acceptance of medication review in Sydney nursing homes 

Margaret A Smith, Judy M Simpson, Shalom I Benrimoj 227 

The use of ACE-inhibitors after myocardial infarction 

Victoria Overland,W Neil Cottrell, Susan E Tett 232 

Issues in the interpretation and design of studies investigating drug-related 

morbidity and mortality 

Kylie L Easton-Carter, Colin B Chapman, Jo-anne E Brian 235 

Doctors’ preference for the location of a drug information centre leads to a 

hospital-based clinical pharmacy initiative in India 

PK Lakshmi, DA Gundu Rao, SB Gore 240 

Advertisers’ Index 184 

Farewell to Jenny Johnstone 239 

SHPA Research & Development Grants Program 242 

ISSN 1445-937X. Print Post Approved: PP349181/00284 

The JPPR supports the 

development of pharmacy 

practice by providing a forum 

for the exchange of knowledge, 

ideas and professional opinion. 

Published quarterly, the Journal features editorials, articles, reviews, reports, 

letters, and book reviews. It also publishes practice guidelines and other 

practice-related documents of SHPA and is highly valued by the membership. 

The Journal provides an important avenue for publication, not only for 

experienced practitioners, but also for less experienced pharmacists. 

The Journal actively seeks papers from contributors to SHPA state and national 

conferences. It is currently abstracted by Australasian Medical Index, Biological 

Abstracts, EMBASE, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, Iowa Drug 

Information Service and Meditext. It has a cumulative index from 1994 that 

may be downloaded from the website (www.shpa.org.au/journal/austra.htm). 

In July 2002, Rosie McKew took over as Managing Editor and has continued to 

improve the Journal following the fine groundwork laid by her predecessor 

Jenny Johnstone, with able support from the JPPR Editorial Committee. Special 

thanks go to the core JPPR team: John Low (Editor in Chief), Rosie McKew, Peter 

Stuchbery, Graeme Vernon, Kay Hynes, Chris Alderman, Penny Thornton, Karen 

McNally, Reg Arulappu, Terry Maunsell and Christine Tierney who gave 

generously of time and expertise to ensure the continual development of the 

Journal. 

Branches 

Providing support and opportunities for professional involvement at a local level. 

The SHPA Branches play a vital role in supporting and promoting the Society’s activities and in working for 

members on local issues - some highlights are listed below. Branches also liaise locally with other kindred 

organisations such as the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia and the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, other Councils 

and Boards. 

ACT BRANCH.....ACT BRANCH.....ACT BRANCH.....ACT BRANCH.....ACT BRANCH.....ACT BRANCH..... 

ACT Branch Committee Members are: Sue Alexander (Chair & Federal Councillor), Grace Alberto, Gabrielle Cooper, Hieu Huynh, Morna 

Falkland, Meredith Freeman, Reeta Prasad, Christine Ryburn, Lisa Fromm (Graduate Observer). 

Advocacy, Workforce and Membership activities: The ACT Branch met the Minister for Health in relation to workforce issues and 

recruitment and retention of pharmacists in ACT hospitals. The Branch Committee has been involved with the establishment of a Graduate 

Pharmacy Course at The University of Canberra and is represented on the Steering Committee. 

Educational activities: The Committee has organised regular continuing education meetings and held a successful Branch Conference - 

“Lungs for Life” in October 2002. Emily Diprose was involved in organising a therapeutic update weekend in conjunction with local 

community pharmacists. Most members of the Branch have been involved with organising the 26th Federal Conference. This commitment 

in time and energy has meant less Branch Committee meetings and regular C.E. meetings than usual have been held this year. 

NSW BRANCH.....NSW BRANCH.....NSW BRANCH.....NSW BRANCH.....NSW BRANCH.....NSW BRANCH 

New South Wales Branch Committee Members are: Peter Murney (Chair), Rebekah Moles (Vice Chair), Jo-anne Brien (Secretary), Thomas 

Fung (Treasurer), Meredith Verge (Minutes secretary), Peter Barclay (Technician training issues), Beata Bajorek (CE Coordinator), Despina 

Moustakas, Kylie Easton-Carter (Newsletter Editor), Mechelle Wright (Technician Observer), Amanda Castle & Amy Tsui & Linda Ban & 

Chris Wyatt (Graduate Observers rotational) and Helen Dowling (Federal Councillor), Penny Thornton (Federal Councillor). 

Advocacy, Workforce and Membership activities: The NSW Branch committee continued to represent and further the interests of its 

members throughout 2002-2003. A number of issues requiring comment or intervention were dealt with as they arose. Advocacy was 

continued throughout via liaison with the following bodies: 

• Pharmacy Practice Foundation 

• The Pharmacy Graduate Training Course 

• Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (NSW Branch) 

• The Pharmacy Board of NSW 

• The University of Sydney 

• Charles Sturt University 

Educational activities: Education continued to be an emphasis with highlights being monthly continuing education sessions with good 

attendance, an active special interest group in renal pharmacy and a special CE session for graduates on OTC medicines in April 2003. A 

most successful Branch conference was held in Leura in October 2002. 

10 


QLD BRANCH.....QLD BRANCH.....QLD BRANCH.....QLD BRANCH.....QLD BRANCH.....QLD BRANCH..... 

Queensland Branch Committee Members are: Ian Coombes (Chair), Lisa Nissen (Vice Chair), John Parke (Treasurer), Neil Cottrell (Secretary), 

Michael Barras (CE Convenor), Skye Windsor (CE convenor), Tony Hall (CE convenor and Newsletter), Elaine Lum (Minutes secretary and 

Newsletter Editor), Christine Maclean (Federal Councillor), Danielle Stowasser (Federal Councillor). 

Advocacy, Workforce and Membership activities: Regular news goes to members via the Queensland Branch newsletter, under the 

guidance of Elaine Lum. The Queensland Branch committee has continued to play a role in lobbying Queensland Health on significant 

matters affecting pharmacy services and patient outcomes such as the PBS introduction. Input has been made to many Queensland 

Health planning documents and position statements. Committee members are involved with negotiations with Queensland Health, Allied 

Health Human Resource Advisory staff together with the union representatives on unresolved issues resulting from the Stuchbery Review 

of Queensland Health Pharmacy Services. In addition they are liaising on a review of staffing structures and pay scales in relation to other 

allied health professionals, and interstate pay awards. 

Members represent the hospital pharmacy profession in a number of advisory capacities as follows: 

• Queensland Health Pharmacy Advisory Committee - Ian Coombes 

• Queensland Health Drug Therapy Protocol Steering Committee - Lisa Nissen 

• Queensland Health Pharmacy Support Personnel Oversight Committee - Christine Maclean 

• University of Queensland Pharmacy Board of Studies - Michael Barras 

• University of Queensland, School of Pharmacy, Management Committee for Post graduate Studies - Dr Danielle Stowasser 

• Medication Safety Task Force of the Australian Council for Safety and Quality Council - Dr Danielle Stowasser 

Educational activities: The Queensland Branch Conference - Reducing Risk, The Cornerstone of Hospital Pharmacy - was held in Brisbane 

in November 2002 and was well supported by the Queensland members. The committee, with help from the Queensland Health Quality 

Improvement and Enhancement Project, Quality Use of Medicines Program, also ran a very successful workshop on “Continuity of Care” 

in North Queensland, Townsville, in September 2002 which was attended by pharmacists, nurses and nurse managers. The continuing 

education officers have planned a seminar on “getting research presented and published” later this year. This will include abstract writing 

and oral presentation skills. Members have also been able to attend national seminars held in Brisbane this year, including a rural clinical 

pharmacy seminar in March. Continuing education co-ordinators (Michael Barras and Skye Windsor) continue to run an exceptionally well 

supported program (average 60 attendees) at monthly meetings. In liaison with Queensland Health, Quality Improvement and 

Enhancement Project, Quality Use of Medicines Program - all continuing education sessions are put onto a narrated CD power point 

presentation distributed to all rural and remote members. 

SA & NT BRANCH.....SA & NT BRANCH.....SA & NT BRANCH.....SA & NT BRANCH.....SA & NT BRANCH..... 

South Australia & Northern Territory Branch Committee Members are: Chris Doecke (Chair), Joy Gailer (Vice-Chair/ PSA liaison), Kathy 

Tuck (Secretary), Anna McClure (Treasurer), Carol Smith & Daniel Scandrett-Smith (Continuing Education), Matthew Cervelli & Bhavini 

Patel & Paul Tait (Newsletter editors), Carol Smith (Technician liaison), Bhavini Patel (NT liaison), Jill Annett & Wanda Haines & Judy 

Manning (Technician Observers), Rebecca Granger & Sally Kaesler & Adam Phillips (Trainee Observers), Naomi Burgess (Federal Councillor). 

Advocacy, Workforce and Membership activities: Major issues that have occupied the committee this year have included nurse 

practitioner prescribing, pharmacy technician training programs and competency based re-registration for pharmacists. SHPA has a 

representative (C Doecke) on the DHS Nurse Practitioner Prescribing & Supplying Medications Working Group. The purpose of the group 

is to establish a safe and robust process to enable limited nurse practitioner prescribing. One of the main achievements has been the 

recognition of the group that prescribing and supply should be separate processes and preferably undertaken by different health 

professions. While interest in pharmacy technician training has always be a focus of SHPA, discussions have increased recently with the 

release of the National Health Training Package (NHTP) Certificates III and IV in Health Service Assistance (Hospital/Community Health 

Pharmacy Assistance). Competency based re-registration will be implemented in South Australia in 2004 and SHPA is working with the 

Board to ensure a smooth implementation. 

Educational activities: The monthly continuing education program, coordinated by Carol Smith and Daniel Scandrett-Smith, has 

continued to be a feature of the services to members and other pharmacists. Video taping of the meetings enables dissemination of the 

information to our NT and country members unable to attend. The major activity in the second half of 2002 was the SA & NT Branch 

Conference. A record 148 registrants attended the conference. Special thanks to Joy Gailer for leading the Conference Organising 

Committee. 

TAS BRANCH.....TAS BRANCH.....TAS BRANCH.....TAS BRANCH.....TAS BRANCH.....TAS BRANCH..... 

Tasmanian Branch Committee Members are: Sarah Herd (Chair), George Taylor (Vice-Chair), Cameron Randall (Secretary), Catherine Drake 

(Treasurer and Federal Councillor), Peter Fowler (Minutes Secretary), Jan Taylor, Tom Simpson, Camille Boland, Kate McCormack and 

Sharryn Heard (Nov 2002 to April 2003). 

Advocacy, Workforce and Membership activities: SHPA Annual General Meeting held in Hobart and Launceston was well attended by 

members and was the forum for a fantastic social evening that was enjoyed by all. Members represent the hospital pharmacy profession 

in a number of advisory capacities as follows: 

• Pharmacy Board of Tasmania - Jan Taylor • Tasmanian Southern Division of General Practice National 

• School of Pharmacy Steering Committee - Peter Fowler Prescribing Service Advisory Group - Camille Boland 

• Pharmacy Board of Tas Competency Committee - George Taylor • Pharmacy Liaison Committee - George Taylor and 

• Graduate Accreditation Program - Michael Connolly Cameron Randall 


Educational activities: The Branch Spring Meeting was held in November in Campbelltown. The day focussed on endocrinology issues 

and was a great success with members attending from the South and North of Tasmania. Tom Simpson, Camille Boland, Peter Fowler and 

Lee McLean all presented interesting papers. Thanks to Peter Fowler for organising a great day and look forward to our next Spring Time 

Meeting. The backdrop for the Tasmanian Branch Conference in March was the rugged and beautiful West Coast of Tasmania. The venue 

for conference extravaganza, organised by Tom Simpson and Melanie Watts, was Strahan Village. Biological Therapeutics and 

Rheumatology were the major scientific themes for the conference and a Patient Safety Session provided delegates with an excellent 

forum to exchange ideas. The ten presented papers were of high standard and were delivered by pharmacy students, pharmacists and 

retired pharmacists and covered a diverse range of topics. There was a good mix of delegates from industry, undergraduate and graduate 

pharmacy students and pharmacists from hospital and community. The conference was widely supported by industry and was a highly 

successful and enjoyable event. We thank Tom Simpson and Melanie Watts for their hard work and dedication to deliver this fantastic 

educational and entertaining event. 

VIC BRANCH.....VIC BRANCH.....VIC BRANCH.....VIC BRANCH.....VIC BRANCH.....VIC BRANCH..... 

Victorian Branch Committee Members are: Thirza Titchen (Chair), James Dwyer (Vice-Chair), Rohan Elliott (Treasurer), Christine Kemp 

(Secretary), Pam Nieman (Assistant Secretary/Newsletter Editor), Ron Nightingale, Jim Siderov, Sally Yeung, Maryanne Molenaar, David 

Lau (Observer), Glen Valoppi (Young Pharmacist Observer), Joanne Rocca (Technician rep), Emma Dean & Megan Middleton (Pre-registrant 

Observers), Helen Matthews (Federal Councillor), Sue Kirsa (Federal Councillor), Paul Muir (Federal Councillor) and Suzanne Kainey (SHPA 

Government Liaison Officer). 

Advocacy, Workforce and Membership activities: Many projects have been advanced as part of Suzanne Kainey, SHPA Government 

Liaison Officer’s role. Some highlights follow: 

• Marketing hospital pharmacy - A marketing strategy is being developed, with the aim of raising the profile of hospital pharmacy 

and to increase interest in hospital pharmacy from pharmacists in other sectors, pharmacy students and school students considering 

their career options. The strategy is being developed so that it can be adapted for national use by SHPA. 

• Hospital Pharmacy in Rural Victoria Report - This detailed the results of a survey of pharmacists working in rural and metropolitan 

hospitals. Information includes the major issues facing hospital pharmacists in each area, the important factors in their retention 

and job satisfaction as a hospital pharmacist, the reasons they choose to work in rural or metropolitan areas and factors that may 

make them consider relocating. These results are being used to develop strategies to support the hospital pharmacist workforce in 

rural Victoria, and improve recruitment of pharmacists to these areas. 

• Pre-registration training in Victoria’s hospitals - Proposals have been submitted to the Department of Human Services to increase 

the number of funded positions for pharmacy pre-registration training in hospitals. This proposal is in response to the dramatic 

increase in pharmacy graduate numbers and the need for hospital pharmacy to retain its share of pharmacists. SHPA has been 

lobbying to maintain the level of funding of the pre-registrant positions. 

• Rural Relieving Pharmacist Service - A proposal was submitted to DHS for a pilot project to evaluate a model for the provision of 

relieving pharmacist services to Victoria’s rural hospitals. The proposal is to pilot the model in one region, with the possibility of 

rolling it out state-wide. 

Members represent the hospital pharmacy profession in a number of advisory capacities as follows: 

• Pharmacy Board of Victoria - Pam Nieman 

• DHS Victorian Influenza Pandemic Planning, Vaccines and Pharmaceuticals Sub Committee - Thirza Titchen 

• Victorian Drug Usage Advisory Committee - Peter Stuchbery 

Educational activities: An extremely successful Victorian Branch Conference was held in November 2002 in Bendigo, organised by Jenny 

Chesser and the committee. Delegates experienced an informative and educational weekend, with very enjoyable social functions. The 

popular annual weekend for Directors/Managers of Pharmacy at Mt Eliza Business School was once again held, with a focus on education. 

Guest speakers included Professors Colin Chapman and Kenn Raymond. Karen Clark organized two short courses for hospital pharmacy 

technicians. Monthly continuing education lectures have been coordinated by Chris Kemp. Rohan Elliott has worked with the two 

pharmacy schools to further develop the hospital placements program for 3rd and 4th year students. 

WA BRANCH.....WA BRANCH.....WA BRANCH.....WA BRANCH.....WA BRANCH.....WA BRANCH..... 

Western Australian Branch Committee Members are: Helen Lovitt (Chair), Ron Chambers (Vice-Chair and Assistant CE Coordinator), 

Melissa Kovacevich (Secretary), Jenny Cooper (Treasurer), Sharon Loh (Minute Secretary), Jane Carpenter (CE Coordinator), Regina Law 

(Newsletter Editor/Membership Co-ordinator), Emma Baker (Intern Rep/CE), David Lunn (Technician Rep), Adam Drury (Intern 

Rep/Recruitment), Neil Keen (Federal Councillor) 

Advocacy, Workforce and Membership activities: Members represent the hospital pharmacy profession in a number of advisory 

capacities and have acted as advocates on a number of activities: 

• Participation in the review of Western Australia’s Poison’s • Participation in the review of Western Australian National 

Act and Regulations 

Competition Policy 

• Attendance at Aspire 2002 networking breakfasts for male • Lobbying State Health Minister regarding local Hospital 

and female senior high school students to promote 

Pharmacy issues as a follow up to Federal SHPA contact 

pharmacy and hospital pharmacy as a career option 

regarding Australian Health Care Agreement strategies 

• Promotion of hospital pharmacy careers to Graduate • Western Australian Jurisdictional Representative, National 

Pharmacy Class of 2002 

Drugs & Poisons Schedule Committee - Jane Carpenter 

Educational activities: 

• Diabetes Half-Day Seminar October 19, 2002 • A very successful Western Australian Branch 

• Monthly, well-attended Continuing Education meetings Conference, September 6 to 8, 2002 

12 


From the Treasurer - Annual Financial Report 2002/3 

The 2002/3 year has been a successful year with many successful activities at Federal and Branch level, which has provided a strong 

financial result. Special thanks go to all Branch Treasurers who have assisted to complete the centralization of all accounting functions 

into the Federal Secretariat. This has been a major achievement coordinated Eddie Eswararajah, Finance Officer. 

Summary and Comparison of Financial Results 

Financial Year Income Net Result 

1993/94* $1,467,380 $120,035 

1994/95 $1,339,753 ($27,990) 

1995/96* $1,891,163 $946 

1996/97 $1,468,248 $85,865 

1997/98* $2,135,227 $65,561 

1998/99 $1,420,028 ($160,595) 

1999/00* $1,705,718 $46,263 

2000/01 $1,655,197 $85,869 

2001/02* $1,857,487 $125,761 

2002/03 $1,731,177 $283,142 * Federal Conference years 

The Society’s net operating surplus of $283,142 this financial year is excellent and is the result of a year of very successful events. I want to 

acknowledge the huge efforts by so many volunteer members and the staff of the Federal Secretariat in this achievement. This has consolidated 

our position following the purchase of the Federal Secretariat offices and places us in a good position to provide further member services in future. 

Again, the activities of the Division of Education ($73,078), and the results from the Branch Conferences and Clinical Conference are noteworthy. 

Expenditure is always closely monitored and this year prudent management has further improved the Federal Operating Account result. The success 

of activities which also generate income will ensure that membership subscriptions rates are held at current levels. Federal Council will refresh 

the SHPA Strategic Plan in February 2004, to re-new the focus for the important advocacy work of the Society. The strong result will also allow 

Council to consider a marketing campaign for hospital pharmacy for all pharmacy students around the country. Use of our resources in this way, 

is designed to build our membership base, hand in hand with achievement of a positive outcome on workforce issues. SHPA will continue activities 

to explain the patient care outcomes of hospital pharmacy services to Government and other key stakeholder groups. 

I invite you to encourage your colleagues to take up SHPA membership. Finally, my sincere thanks go to so many members who have conducted 

and supported activities this year, and for your continued assistance. 

p 

p 

SUE KIRSA 

Federal Treasurer 

Summary of Contributions FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30TH JUNE 2003 

FEDERAL MEMBER SERVICES 

Operating GLO Admin NZHPA/SHPA Publications SHPA 

Account Recovery Conference Division Web Site Branches Total 

Income 428,101 128,625 23,029 264,626 25,000 79,834 946,216 

Expenditure 418,216 108,621 2,797 260,847 1,999 86,917 879,396 

Net Profit/(Loss) 6,886 20,004 20,232 3,780 23,001 -(7,083) -(66,819) 

Education & Professional Development 

Other 

Division of Professional Liaison and Federal 

Education Projects Activities Promotions Conference Branches Total 

Income 219,369 0 0 3,639 3,764 598,457 825,229 

Expenditure 146,291 3,841 9,778 15,870 1,389 431,736 608,906 

Net Profit/(Loss) 73,078 -(3,841) -(9,778) -(12,231) 2,375 166,720 216,323 

BRANCH MEMBER SERVICES 

ACT NSW QLD SA&NT TAS VIC WA Total 

Income 1,862 10,005 20,843 4,049 4,878 13,721 24,476 79,834 

Expenditure 1,004 10,745 15,862 5,203 7,318 24,149 22,635 86,917 

Net Profit/(Loss) 858 -(740) 4,981 -(1,155) -(2,440) -(10,428) 1,841 -(7,083) 

Education & Professional Development 

Income 7,050 112,112 87,634 39,384 52,462 239,751 60,063 598,457 

Expenditure 3,832 82,939 54,104 28,538 40,534 183,600 38,189 431,736 

Net Profit/(Loss) 3,218 29,173 33,530 10,846 11,927 56,152 21,874 166,720 

TOTAL CONTRIBUTION/(LOSS) 4,076 28,433 38,512 9,691 9,487 45,724 23,715 159,637 


DIRECTORS REPORT 

Your directors present their report on the company for the financial year ended 30th June 2003. 

DIRECTORS 

The names of directors in office at any time during or since the end of the year are: 

Helen V Dowling Helen Matthews Sue W Kirsa Catherine I Drake 

Penelope D Thornton Naomi G Burgess Paul R Muir Neil J Keen 

Christine M Maclean Susan M Alexander Michael D Wiese Danielle A Stowasser 

Directors have been in office since the start of the financial year to the date of this report unless otherwise stated: 

Catherine I Drake was a director from 23 February 2003 until the date of this report. 

Michael D Wiese was a director from the beginning of the year until his resignation on 31 October 2002. 

PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES 

The principal activities of the company during the financial year were: 

The provision of membership services, including bulletin, journal, publications, short courses and seminars, a clinical conference in New 

Zealand, a number of Branch conferences, development of practice standards and guidelines, providing accreditation for pharmacists 

seeking to provide domicilary medication reviews, promotion of the certified geriatric pharmacist credential, representation on 

government and related professional committees, special projects and preparation of discussion papers and submissions. No significant 

change in the nature of these activities occurred during the year. 

OPERATING RESULTS 

The profit of the company for the financial year after providing for income tax amounted to $283,142 

DIVIDENDS 

No dividends were paid or declared since the start of the financial year. No recommendation for payment of dividends has been made. 

OPTIONS 

No options over issued shares or interests in the company were granted during or since end of the financial year and there were no 

options outstanding at the date of this report. 

REVIEW OF OPERATIONS 

A review of the operations of the company during the financial year and the results of those operations are as follows: 

Increased involvement and interaction with government, other professional organisations and collaboration with healthcare providers 

and consumers as guided by the Strategic Plan. 

Ongoing review of income, expenditure and revenue generation to improve financial performance. 

Working with Branches on services provided to members, whilst streamlining activities and processes. 

Development of member services by information on the website. 

Review and updating of the process for elevation to the status of Fellow of the Society. 

Completion of centralisation of Branch financial functions. 

Quarterly printing of the “Journal of Pharmacy Practice and Research”. 

FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS 

The likely developments in the operation of the company and the expected results of those operations in future financial years are the 

continuation of services with some use of reserves for specific projects to enhance professional practice. 

SIGNIFICANT CHANGES IN STATE OF AFFAIRS 

No significant changes in the company’s state of affairs occurred during the financial year. 

AFTER BALANCE DATE EVENTS 

No matters or circumstances have arisen since the end of the financial year which significantly affected or may significantly affect the 

operations of the company, the results of those operations or the state of affairs of the company in subsequent financial years. 

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES 

The company’s operations are not regulated by any significant environmental regulation under a law of the Commonwealth or of a State 

or Territory. 

14 


INFORMATION ON DIRECTORS 

Helen Matthews - President; BPharm; Chief Pharmacist, St Vincent’s Hospital, VIC 

Neil J Keen - Vice President; BPharm MPS; Senior Pharmacist-in-charge (Ward Services), Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, WA 

Sue W Kirsa - Federal Treasurer; BPharm, Grad Dip Hosp Pharm; Senior Pharmacist, Austin Health, VIC 

Helen V Dowling - Immediate Past President; BPharm, Dip Hosp Pharm Admin; Grad Dip QI in Healthcare (CCEB); Director of Pharmacy, 

John Hunter Hospital, NSW 

Naomi G Burgess - Federal Councillor; BPharm, M Management (Health Services); Deputy Director of Pharmacy Services, 

Royal Adelaide Hospital, SA and Senior Lecturer, School of Pharmaceutical, Molecular and Biological Sciences, University of South 

Australia, SA. 

Penelope D Thornton - Federal Councillor; BPharm, FSHP; Deputy Director of Pharmacy, Westmead Hospital, NSW 

Paul R Muir - Federal Councillor; BPharm BA, FSHP; Senior Pharmacist, The Geelong Hospital, VIC 

Christine M Maclean - Federal Councillor; BPharm, FSHP; Assistant Director of Pharmacy, Princess Alexandra Hospital, QLD 

Susan M Alexander - Federal Councillor, BPharm, Director of Pharmacy, The Canberra Hospital, ACT 

Danielle A Stowasser - Federal Councillor; PhD, Dip Clin Hosp Pharm, BPharm, Program Area Manager, 

QIEP - Quality Use of Medicines, Queensland Health, QLD 

Catherine I Drake - Federal Councillor; BPharm (Hons), Grad Dip Pharm, Drug Utilisation & Evaluation Pharmacist, Royal Hobart Hospital, TAS 

Michael D Wiese - Former Federal Councillor; BPharm, Clinical Pharmacist Oncology, Royal Hobart Hospital, TAS 

During the financial year, 14 meetings of directors (including committees) were held. Attendances were:- 

Directors Meetings 

Divisional Meetings 

Number Eligible Number Number Eligible Number 

to Attend Attended to Attend Attended 

Naomi G Burgess 4 4 3 3 

Helen V Dowling 5 5 0 0 

Catherine I Drake 2 1 0 0 

Neil J Keen 5 4 0 0 

Sue W Kirsa 5 5 2 2 

Christine M Maclean 4 3 2 2 

Helen Matthews 5 5 0 0 

Paul R Muir 4 4 2 2 

Penny D Thornton 4 4 0 0 

Susan M Alexander 5 4 0 0 

Danielle A Stowasser 4 3 2 2 

Michael D Wiese 1 1 0 0 

INDEMNIFYING OFFICERS OR AUDITOR 

During or since the end of the financial year the company has given an indemnity or entered an agreement to indemnify, or paid or agreed to pay 

insurance premiums as follows: 

The company has paid premiums to insure each director against liabilities for costs and expenses incurred by them in defending any legal 

proceedings arising out of their conduct while acting in the capacity of director of the company, other than conduct involving a wilful breach of 

duty in relation to the company. The total premium for all directors was included in a policy that cost $ 6,282 inclusive of GST. 

PROCEEDINGS ON BEHALF OF COMPANY 

No person has applied for leave of Court to bring proceedings on behalf of the company or intervene in any proceedings to which the company is 

a party for the purpose of taking responsibility on behalf of the company for all or any part of those proceedings. The company was not a party 

to any such proceedings during the year. 

Signed in accordance with a resolution of the Board of Directors: 

Director ..................................... 

Helen Matthews 

Director ..................................... 

Sue W Kirsa 

Dated this 29th day of September 2003 


FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements. 

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30TH JUNE 2003 

Note 2003 2002 

$ $ 

CLASSIFICATION OF EXPENSES BY NATURE 

Revenues from ordinary activities 2 1,731,177 1,817,497 

Raw materials and consumables used (42,770) (51,930) 

Employee benefits expense (478,135) (411,352) 

Depreciation and amortisation expenses 3 (15,179) (11,518) 

Borrowing costs expense 3 - - 

Other expenses from ordinary activities (911,951) (1,216,936) 

Profit from ordinary activities before income tax expense 3 283,142 125,761 

Income tax expense relating to ordinary activities 4 - - 

Net profit from ordinary activities after income tax 

attributable to members of the company 5 283,142 125,761 

Net increase (decrease) in asset revaluation reserve - - 

Total changes in equity other than those resulting from 

transactions with owners as owners 283,142 125,761 

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AS AT 30TH JUNE 2003 


$ $ 

CURRENT ASSETS 

Cash 6 1,684,764 987,201 

Receivables 7 168,242 206,646 

Inventories 8 14,256 11,125 

Other 9 94,594 55,294 

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 1,961,856 1,260,266 

NON-CURRENT ASSETS 

Property, plant and equipment 10 446,270 446,277 

TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS 446,270 446,277 

TOTAL ASSETS 2,408,126 1,706,543 

CURRENT LIABILITIES 

Accounts payable 11 1,190,088 772,894 

Provisions 12 20,350 15,121 

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 1,210,438 788,015 

NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES 

Provisions 12 1,602 5,584 

TOTAL NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES 1,602 5,584 

TOTAL LIABILITIES 1,212,040 793,599 

NET ASSETS (LIABILITIES) 1,196,086 912,944 

MEMBERS’ FUNDS 

Retained profits 1,196,086 912,944 

16 


STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30TH JUNE 2003 


$ $ 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: 

Receipts from Customers/Members 2,163,927 2,045,536 

Interest Received 55,553 27,565 

Payment to Suppliers & Employees (1,505,684) (1,724,602) 

Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities 713,796 348,499 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: 

Purchase of Property, Plant & Equipment (16,234) (48,044) 

Net Cash Provided by (Used in) 

Investing Activities (16,234) (48,044) 

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: 

Repayment of Borrowings - (357,504) 

Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities - (357,504) 

Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash Held 697,562 (57,049) 

Cash at Beginning of Financial Year 987,201 1,044,250 

CASH AT END OF FINANCIAL YEAR 1,684,763 987,201 

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30TH JUNE 2003 

1 STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES 

The financial report is a general purpose financial report that has been prepared in accordance with Accounting Standards, Urgent Issues Group 

Consensus Views, other authoritative pronouncements of the Australian Accounting Standards Board, and the Corporations Act 2001. 

The financial report has been prepared on an accruals basis and is based on historical costs and does not take into account changing money values 

or, except where stated, current valuations of non-current assets. Cost is based on the fair values of the consideration given in exchange for assets. 

The following is a summary of the material accounting policies adopted by the company in the preparation of the financial report. The accounting 

policies have been consistently applied, unless otherwise stated. 

Income Tax 

The Company is subject to income tax under the Principle of Mutuality. 

The company adopts the liability method of tax-effect accounting whereby the income tax expense is based on the profit from ordinary activities 

adjusted for any permanent differences. 

Timing differences which arise due to the different accounting periods in which items of revenue and expense are included in the determination 

of accounting and taxable income, are brought to account as either a provision for deferred income tax or as a future income tax benefit at the 

rate of income tax applicable to the period in which the benefit will be received or the liability will become payable. 

Future income tax benefits are not brought to account unless realisation of the asset is assured beyond reasonable doubt. Future income tax 

benefits in relation to tax losses are not brought to account unless there is virtual certainty of realisation of the benefit. 

The amount of benefits brought to account or which may be realised in the future is based on the assumption that no adverse change will occur 

in income taxation legislation, and the anticipation that the company will derive sufficient future assessable income to enable the benefit to be 

realised and comply with the conditions of deductibility imposed by the law. 

Inventories 

Inventories are measured at the lower of cost and net realisable value. 


NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30TH JUNE 2003 - continued 

Property, Plant and Equipment 

Property, plant and equipment are carried at cost or fair value, less where applicable, any accumulated depreciation or amortisation. The carrying 

amount of property, plant and equipment is reviewed annually by directors to ensure it is not in excess of the recoverable amount from those 

assets. The recoverable amount is assessed on the basis of expected net cash flows which will be received from the assets employment and 

subsequent disposal. The expected net cash flows have not been discounted to their present values in determining recoverable amounts. 

The depreciable amount of all fixed assets excluding freehold land and buildings are depreciated over their estimated useful lives commencing 

from the time the asset is held ready for use. Properties held for investment purposes are not subject to depreciation. The depreciation rates used 

for each class of assets are: 

Class of Fixed Asset Depreciation Rate 

Land and Buildings 0% 

Plant and Equipment 7.5-100% 

The rates used are substantially those used for taxation purposes. 

Employee Benefits 

Provision is made for the company’s liability for employee benefits arising from services rendered by employees to balance date. Employee benefits 

expected to be settled within one year together with entitlements arising from wages and salaries, annual leave and sick leave which will be settled 

after one year, have been measured at the amounts expected to be paid when the liability is settled, plus related on-costs. Other employee benefits 

payable later than one year have been measured at the present value of the estimated future cash outflows to be made for those benefits. 

Contributions are made by the company to employee superannuation funds and are charged as expenses when incurred. 

Income in Advance 

Income in Advance will be brought to account over the subscription period for members’ subscriptions and JPPR subscriptions. 

Members Guarantee 

The Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia is a company limited by guarantee. 

In the event that the company is wound up, each member may be liable to contribute to any outstanding obligations of the company. The maximum 

contribution is $20 per member. 

2003 2002 

$ $ 

2 REVENUE 

Operating activities: 

Sale of goods 87,807 99,791 

Rendering of services 1,546,762 1,678,306 

Other revenue 43,778 10,690 

1,678,347 1,788,787 

Interest from: 

Other Corporations 52,830 28,710 

1,731,177 1,817,497 

3 PROFIT FROM ORDINARY ACTIVITIES 

Profit from ordinary activities before income tax expense has been determined after: 

Expenses: 

Cost of sales 42,770 51,930 

Depreciation of non-current assets: 

Depreciation 15,179 11,518 

Total depreciation 15,197 11,518 

Remuneration of auditor Auditing the accounts 12,000 16,750 

Other Services 799 986 

18 



4 INCOME TAX EXPENSE 

The prima facie tax payable on profit from ordinary activities before 

income tax is reconciled to the income tax expense as follows: 


$ $ 

Prima facie tax payable on profit from ordinary activities 84,943 37,728 

before income tax at 30% (2002: 30%) 

Add: 

Tax effect of: 

Other Non Allowable Items 483 - 

85,426 37,728 

Less: 

Tax effect of: 

Application of Principle of Mutuality 78,253 72,048 

Non Adoption of FITB - - 

Income Tax Benefit From Losses Not Brought to Account - (34,320) 

Recoupment of Prior Years Tax Losses 7,173 - 

Income tax expense attributable to profit from ordinary activities - - 

5 RETAINED PROFITS 

Retained profits (accumulated losses) at the beginning of the financial year 912,944 787,183 

Net profit attributable to members of the company 283,142 125,761 

Retrospective adjustment(s) upon introduction of accounting standard(s): 

Retained profits (accumulated losses) at the end of the financial year 1,196,086 912,944 

6 CASH ASSETS 

Cash on Hand 1,395 595 

Term Deposits - A.N.Z. 779,778 591,007 

Cash at Bank - Federal Operating Account 158,853 268,716 

Cash at Banks, Building Societies, Credit Unions 744,738 126,883 

1,684,764 987,201 

7 RECEIVABLES 

CURRENT 

Trade Debtors 168,242 206,646 

8 INVENTORIES 

CURRENT 

Stock on Hand 14,256 11,125 

9 OTHER ASSETS 

CURRENT 

Prepayments 94,594 55,294 

10 PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT 

LAND AND BUILDINGS 

Property - 27-33 Raglan St South Melbourne 393,495 393,495 

393,495 393,495 

PLANT & EQUIPMENT 

Office Furniture & Equipment - at cost 157,626 176,485 

Less: Accumulated Depreciation 104,851 123,703 

52,775 52,782 

Total property, plant and equipment 446,270 446,277 




$ $ 

11 ACCOUNTS PAYABLE 

CURRENT 

Income in Advance 969,119 539,854 

Sundry Creditors 21,309 41,634 

GST Payable 36,572 48,952 

Awards in Trust 163,088 142,454 

1,190,088 772,894 

12 PROVISIONS 

CURRENT 

Provision for Employee Entitlements 20,350 15,121 

NON-CURRENT 

Provision for Employee Entitlements 1,602 5,584 

Aggregate employee entitlement liability 21,952 20,705 

13 REMUNERATION AND RETIREMENT BENEFITS 

Directors: 

The names of directors who have held office during the financial year are: 

20 

Helen V Dowling 


Sue W Kirsa 

Catherine I Drake 

Paul R Muir 

Neil J Keen 

Christine M Maclean 

Susan M Alexander 

Income received or due and receivable by all directors from the company 

and any related parties - - 

Number of directors whose income from the company and any related parties 

was within the following bands: 0 - $9999 12 13 

Retirement and Superannuation Payments: 

Amounts of a prescribed benefit given during year by the company or a related party to 

a director or prescribed superannuation fund in connection with the 

retirement from a prescribed office - - 

No amounts were received by directors in relation to their membership of Federal Council. 

No monies received by Federal Councillors were paid as a result of their Directorship of the Company. 

Penelope D Thornton 

Naomi G Burgess 

Michael D Wiese 

Danielle A Stowasser 

14 SEGMENT REPORTING 

a) Business & Geographical Segments 

The company operates predominantly in one business and geographical segment, being the provision of member, professional development 

and educational services to those in the pharmaceutical & health professions within Australia. 


$ $ 

15 CASH FLOW INFORMATION 

Reconciliation of Cash Flow from Operations with Profit from Ordinary 

Activities after Income Tax 

Profit from Ordinary Activities After Income Tax 283,142 125,761 

Non Cash Flows in Profit from Ordinary Activities 

Loss on Sale of Property, Plant & Equipment 1,061 - 


Increase (Decrease) in Employee Provisions 1,247 (6,237) 

Changes in Assets & Liabilities: 

Decrease (Increase) in Current Inventories (3,131) 3,611 

Decrease (Increase) in Current Receivables 38,404 (97,496) 

Decrease (Increase) in Prepayments (39,300) (14,707) 

Increase (Decrease) in Trade Creditors (20,325) 5,037 

Increase (Decrease) in Awards in Trust 20,634 (18,494) 

Increase (Decrease) in GST Liability Clearing A/c (12,380) 7,901 

Increase (Decrease) in Income in Advance 429,265 331,604 

Cash Flow from Operations 713,796 348,498 



16 FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS 


DIRECTORS’ DECLARATION 

The directors of the company declare that: 

1. The financial statements and notes, as set out on pages 16 to 22, are in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001; and 

(a) comply with Accounting Standards and the Corporations Regulations 2001; and 

(b) give a true and fair view of the Company’s financial position as at 30 June 2003 and of its performance for the year 

ended on that date. 

2. In the directors’ opinion there are reasonable grounds to believe that the company will be able to pay its debts as and when they become due 

and payable. 

This declaration is made in accordance with a resolution of the Board of Directors. 

Director 


Director 

Sue W Kirsa 

Dated this 29th day of September 2003 

INDEPENDENT AUDIT REPORT 

TO THE MEMBERS OF THE SOCIETY OF HOSPITAL PHARMACISTS OF AUSTRALIA LIMITED A.B.N. 54 004 553 806 

Scope 

We have audited the financial report of The Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia Limited for the financial year ended 30 June 2003 as set 

out on pages 16 to 22. 

The company’s directors are responsible for the financial report. We have conducted an independent audit of this financial report in order to 

express an opinion on it to the members of the company. 

Our audit has been conducted in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards to provide reasonable assurance whether the financial 

report is free of material misstatement. Our procedures included examination, on a test basis, of evidence supporting the amounts and 

other disclosures in the financial report, and the evaluation of accounting policies and significant accounting estimates. These 

procedures have been undertaken to form an opinion whether, in all material respects, the financial report is presented fairly in 

accordance with Accounting Standards and other mandatory professional reporting requirements in Australia and statutory 

requirements so as to present a view which is consistent with our understanding of the company’s financial position and performance 

as represented by the results of their operations and their cash flows. 

The audit opinion expressed in this report has been formed on the above basis. 

Audit Opinion 

In our opinion the financial report of The Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia Limited is in accordance with: 

(a) the Corporations Act 2001, including: 

(i) giving a true and fair view of the company’s financial position as at 30 June 2003 and of their performance for the year ended 

on that date; and 

(ii) complying with Accounting Standards in Australia and the Corporations Regulations 2001; and 

(b) other mandatory professional reporting requirements in Australia. 

McKENZIE & PARTNERS 

Chartered Accountants 

A P Roscoe 

Partner 

29th September 2003 

Melbourne 

22 


Federal Operating Account 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30TH JUNE 2003 

INCOME 2002/2003 2001/2002 

Administration Costs Recovered 37,180 39,990 

Interest Received 42,885 15,759 

Membership Fees 340,723 336,328 

Miscellaneous Income 4,313 1,840 

TOTAL INCOME 425,101 393,917 

LESS EXPENSES 

AGM Expenses 737 889 

Auditors Remuneration 12,799 16,750 

Awards 1,375 1,650 

Bank Charges 19,690 11,726 

Body Corporate Fees 7,043 3,958 

Catering 70 1,064 

Cleaning 805 293 

Computer Expenses 8,250 9,864 

Council Rates 585 1,068 

Credit Account Charges/Admin 752 1,179 


Election Expenses 0 3,560 

Electricity 3,949 2,298 

Equipment Rental & Maintenance 5,875 4,828 

Federal Council - Accom/Meals 9,268 8,051 

Federal Council - Dinner 1,322 456 

Federal Council - Travel 11,907 11,825 

Filing Fees (ASC) 0 156 

Fringe Benefits Tax 374 181 

Holiday Pay on Termination 4,383 0 

Honorarium 210 316 

Insurance 10,488 9,167 

Interest Paid 0 410 

Land Tax 0 22 

Loss on Disposal of Plant & Equipment 1,061 0 

Miscellaneous Expenses 534 388 

Other - Accom/Meals 1,799 380 

Other - Travel 1,786 3,087 

Postage & Freight 6,509 6,122 

Printing & Stationery 14,230 8,805 

Promotional Costs 1,490 0 

Registration Fees 0 195 

Relocation Expenses 0 5,060 

Rental & Outgoings 0 8,802 

Repairs & Maintenance 1,314 397 

Salaries/Consultants/Fees 234,164 210,420 

Staff Recruitment 544 741 

Staff Training 1,156 1,300 

Subscriptions 2,415 2,120 

Sundries 3,536 4,506 

Superannuation 19,286 33,603 

Telephone & Fax 9,848 8,095 

Water Rates 703 490 

Workcover 3,533 4,200 

TOTAL EXPENSES 418,216 397,890 

NET PROFIT/(LOSS) 6,886 -(3,973)

610017 SHPA Ann Rep 2003 Ruth - The Society of Hospital ...

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