First Trans-Tasman hospital pharmacy partnership is forged to strengthen knowledge pool

Professional collaboration and the advancement of practice in Australian and New Zealand pharmacy is a step closer today after the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia (SHPA) and the New Zealand Hospital Pharmacy Association (NZHPA).

The signing of the MoU in Auckland by SHPA President Tom Simpson and NZHPA President Sian Dawson comes weeks before details of SHPA’s new pharmacy recognition program are revealed at the 81st FIP World Congress of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science (FIP 2023) in Brisbane.

Mr Simpson says the agreement signals a new era of closer cooperation between the two esteemed organisations.

‘Over a combined 150-year history, SHPA and NZHPA have passionately advocated for and supported pharmacists and technicians providing care for Australians and New Zealanders, forging a myriad of informal connections in the process.

‘As part of our Transformation 2024 agenda, we’re proud to put pen to paper today and take the partnership to the next level, which will include access to our upcoming professional recognition program and broader access to existing and new membership benefits for practitioners on both sides of the Tasman.’

Ms Dawson says the MoU will benefit NZHPA members in many ways.

‘We’re thrilled to forge closer ties with our Australian counterparts.

‘This is much more than a gesture of cooperation. This MoU will facilitate direct collaboration, networking and information-sharing between Australian and New Zealand pharmacists and technicians through expanded SHPA membership options next year.

‘A broader “knowledge pool” spanning our two countries has been sought for a long time and we look forward to working together to make it happen, supporting our practitioners and advancing patient care in both countries.’