Spinal Life Australia has recommended the establishment of a Queensland pharmacy council with adequate disability representation and new regulations for pharmacies in a recent submission to Queensland Parliament.
The recommendations were sent in response to the Health, Communities, Disability Services and Domestic and Family Violence Committee’s Inquiry into the establishment of a pharmacy council and pharmacy ownership in Queensland.
Spinal Life Australia’s Chief Executive Officer Michael Powell said the organisation supported the establishment of a pharmacy council in Queensland as an independent pharmacy authority.
“We also hope the council would have suitable representation and consideration of Queenslanders with a physical disability, who make up nearly 20 per cent of the state’s population,” Mr Powell said.
“Professional, quality pharmacy services are essential to support their health and wellbeing.”
Spinal Life’s submission also strongly recommends requiring a qualified pharmacist to be available at all times during a pharmacy’s hours of operation.
“Due to the added susceptibility of people with a physical disability to health issues, such as a spinal cord injury, qualified and professional medical advice is essential,” Mr Powell said.
“When seeking pharmacy advice, it needs to come from someone who is qualified and can better understand the lived experience of the customer with a disability.”
To read Spinal Life Australia’s full submission, click here.