Submission on proposal to fully fund Symbicort Turbuhaler and Vannair

26/01/2012

The Guild supports the proposal as this change will result in increased access for patients who require combination therapy, although we note the surcharge on Oxis Turbuhaler and Floradil will result in fewer patients utilising these non-combination products.
2012 01 26 PHARMAC PROPOSAL TO FULLY FUND SYMBICORT TURBUHALER AND VANNAIR (pdf, 410 KB)

Summary of decision of the Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal – Phar11/195P – Mrs Ann Tiller

26/01/2012

On Thursday 1 December 2011, the Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal considered a charge laid by a Professional Conduct Committee (PCC) appointed by the Pharmacy Council of New Zealand, against Mrs Ann Tiller, pharmacist of Christchurch.
Phar11195p Tiller3 (doc, 26 KB)

Guild congratulates Taranaki pharmacist for QSM honour

11/01/2012

The Guild would like to congratulate Howard Anderson, the original owner of Patea Pharmacy, for being awarded a Queen’s Service Medal in the New Year’s Honours List.
Anderson QSM media release (pdf, 72 KB)

Community pharmacies are holiday heroes

20/12/2011

Community pharmacies are holiday heroes for families who have health emergencies or run out of medicines while away from home, says the Pharmacy Guild of New Zealand (Inc) President, Karen Crisp.
2011 12 20 Holiday media release (pdf, 73 KB)

Quitting smoking could be best Christmas present

19/12/2011

Smokers can give themselves and their families the best Christmas present by kicking the habit, says the Pharmacy Guild of New Zealand.
2011 12 19 Smoking cessation media release (pdf, 72 KB)

Guild welcomes $12 million rheumatic fever funding boost

14/12/2011

All New Zealanders will reap a benefit from the doubling in funding dedicated to fighting rheumatic fever, says the Pharmacy Guild of New Zealand Chief Executive, Annabel Young.
2011 12 14 RFP media release (pdf, 75 KB)

MoH document on Prescribing Limits as of 1 December 2011

14/12/2011

On 1 December 2011 the period of supply limits for dentists and midwives under the Medicines Regulations were aligned with other prescribers. This Ministry of Health document outlines the change and reminds prescribers of the different legislative limits on prescribing controlled drugs under the Misuse of Drugs legislation and other prescription medicines under Medicines legislation.
MoH document on Prescribing Limits as of 1 December 2011 (doc, 41 KB)

Updated Pharmacy Translation Kit now in 11 languages

12/12/2011

Patients who have difficulty with the English language can now get good healthy advice in one of 11 languages from their community pharmacy, thanks to the updated Pharmacy Translation Kit.
2011 12 12 Translation Kit media release (pdf, 75 KB)

Options to extend the period of supply for prescription medicines

12/12/2011

The Guild considers the proposal to allow prescribers to issue a 12 month prescription for oral contraceptives and a six month prescription for all other prescription medication to be acceptable, subject to our recommended safeguards.
2011 12 12 Feedback on options to extend the period of supply for prescription medicines (pdf, 768 KB)

Doctors and financial conflicts of interest

12/12/2011

The Guild agrees with the Medical Council that there are some gaps in the current standards and that the advice provided to doctors needs to be more explicit. The Guild believes the standards proposed by the Council are appropriate.  
2011 12 12 Submission on Medical Councils Doctors and financial conflicts of interest consultation (pdf, 299 KB)