Pharmacy Team Relief Fund extended

The Pharmacy Team Relief Fund which has been supporting pharmacy teams since October 2020 has been extended to allow the Council to allocate the remaining $175,000 of available funding.

“The Ministry of Health has extended the contract for Pharmacy Council to administer the remaining funding in support of overstretched pharmacy teams,” says Pharmacy Council Chief Executive, Michael Pead.

“Pharmacists have continued to provide essential services to their communities under considerable pressure since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Pharmacy Council is pleased to be able to support this initiative and help make a difference where needed.

“With a focus on community pharmacy teams, applications are open to all practising community pharmacists, technicians and community pharmacy employers to help relieve pharmacists and technicians most in need of a break, for whatever reason and even if they have no leave.

“We are also seeking applications from locums and pharmacists/technicians who may be able to offer their services to relieve staff.”

The fund covers the hourly wages of relief staff or locums employed to relieve a member of the team, and any agreed travel requirements. There is also a flat rate per night accommodation allowance available to cover accommodation if needed.

“Allocation of the fund will again be weighted towards community pharmacy teams, and in particular to those providing services in areas with high Māori and Pasifika populations, where communities are struggling, and into pharmacies with a sole practitioner and/or for early career pharmacists,” says Michael Pead.

Allocations will be made relative to team size and any funding granted will need to be fully utilised before 31 December 2022.

Application forms and further information is available on the Pharmacy Council’s website at www.pharmacycouncil.org.nz/pharmacy-team-relief-fund-extended/