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

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