The PSS community chapter is grateful to have had the privilege of meeting with Dr Lynn Weekes, Chief Executive of Australia National Prescribing Service (NPS) MedicineWise, which was held on 5th July 2017, 9am-10.30am, at Academia Level 2 Room L2-S1.
During the meeting, we discussed about potential community pharmacy initiatives and challenges, such as medicines use review and new medicine services and non-medical prescribing in Australia. We also talked about ways to drive pharmacy awareness, public engagement, as well as outreach to public. Improving public-private healthcare institution partnership and collaborations was also one of the highlights of the meeting. Furthermore, Dr Weekes shared about Australia’s experience in branding of community pharmacy, creating a sustainable business model for pharmacy services.
In addition, Dr Weekes mentioned about the COACH Program (http://www.thecoachprogram.com/) which is being used for patients with coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke or transient ischaemic stroke, peripheral vascular disease, heart failure, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and or high risk of CHD or diabetes. It is an evidence-based coaching programme provided over the telephone and mailers over a period of 6 months (5-6 sessions) to identify treatment gaps and develop plans to help close these gaps, and encourage lifestyle changes based on the most recent guidelines (including improved diet, suitable physical activity or support to quit smoking). These patients are teamed with personal “coaches” who are qualified Australian health professionals, including pharmacists.
The PSS Community Chapter has benefited tremendously from Dr Lynn Weekes’ sharing.
We would like to express our sincerest thanks to Dr Weekes and our partners from Singhealth for coordinating the session.
Members of PSS Community Chapter, guests and Dr Lynn Weekes (centre, in red)
About NPS MedicineWise
The NPS MedicineWise is established in 1998 as an independent and non-governmental body to lead the quality use of medicines, a central objective of the National Medicine Policy in Australia. The organisation identifies gaps between actual use and best practice, designs and develops best practice and evidence-based knowledge through research, implements behaviour change programmes, evaluates health programmes and services and partner consumers and stakeholders on health policy and quality use of medicines and tests.
To read more about Dr Weekes, visit
Prepared by:
Sharene Goh (Asst Hon Treasurer, Ex Officio of PSS Community Chapter)
