Onsite pharmacist partnership improves access to expert medication management

Residents of St Agnes’ operated residential aged care homes now have greater access to expert medication management, thanks to an innovative partnership with Flynn’s Beach Pharmacy—the first of its kind in the Port Macquarie region.

This collaboration brings pharmacists on-site to residential aged care homes as part of the government-funded Aged Care On-site Pharmacist program, a key initiative following the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety in March 2021. The program aims to improve medication safety and support aged care clinical staff by integrating credentialed pharmacists into daily care.

Strengthening medication management

Tracy Baker, Executive Manager Community and Residential Aged Care at St Agnes’ Catholic Parish, describes the initiative as a significant step forward.

“The connection between GPs, pharmacists, and aged care teams is crucial. This program allows our registered nurses to collaborate directly with a pharmacist, ensuring timely and tailored medication management in consultation with residents’ GPs,” says Tracy.

“Flynn’s Beach Pharmacy has supported St Agnes’ aged care services for decades, dating back to Lourdes House in the 1990s. This new on-site service builds on that long-standing relationship and provides even greater support for residents and clinical staff.”

Having a pharmacist on-site offers a range of benefits, including:

• Case conferencing with residents, families, GPs, and aged care staff
• Comprehensive medication reviews
• Timely vaccination updates

A tailored approach to aged care pharmacy

Under the partnership, launched in July 2024, Flynn’s Beach Pharmacy pharmacists are on-site three days a week at Emmaus Home and St Agnes’ Site (comprising Maryknoll, Mt Carmel, and St Agnes’ House) and two days a week at Emmaus Village.

Sophie Rourke and Melinda Dalton, owners of Flynn’s Beach Pharmacy, see this as a natural progression of their longstanding service to the region’s aged care community.

“For decades, we’ve provided medication to aged care residents and conducted medication reviews for community patients,” says Sophie. “Expanding our role to include on-site pharmacists at Emmaus and St Agnes’ homes is an exciting step forward.”

“What many people may not realise is that we have a dedicated aged care team—including an aged care pharmacist, manager, and support staff—who specialise in this area,” adds Melinda. “With seven pharmacists already on board and another joining in January, we’re committed to meeting the growing needs of our local community.”

A collaborative, person-centred approach

Both St Agnes’ Catholic Parish and Flynn’s Beach Pharmacy are proud to be part of a progressive, collaborative approach to aged care—one that ensures residents receive the highest level of support and expertise in medication management.

“This partnership isn’t just about improving systems,” says Tracy. “It’s about enhancing the wellbeing and safety of those who call our aged care homes their home.”