Friendly Societies Back Pharmacist Support Service

Main Category: Pharmacy / Pharmacist
Article Date: 10 Jun 2009 - 2:00 PDT

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The Pharmacists' Support Service (PSS) has been boosted with the announcement that the Australian Friendly Societies Pharmacy Association has committed to provide financial support to the service for the next three years.

PSS has been assisting Victorian pharmacists since 1995 by providing telephone counselling and support to distressed pharmacists. The President of the Victorian Branch of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, Mark Feldschuh, said the commitment was significant and sees the Friendly Societies join PDL as major backers of the PSS. "The support of PDL and AFSPA acknowledges that the PSS is for the benefit of all pharmacists whatever their area of practice or their particular organizational membership," Mr Feldschuh said. "The service is there for pharmacists during times of trauma, distress or need and offers counselling to these pharmacists. PSS operates on the Lifeline model of telephone counselling and can be contacted on a toll free number 1300 244 910."

Mr Feldschuh said the PSS telephone line is answered by volunteer pharmacists who have undertaken extensive training and are able to relate with the problems faced by pharmacists. "But to expand the service and effectively assist pharmacists outside Victoria, PSS needs financial support to build resources and to develop a network of contacts in each state of Australia," Mr Feldschuh said.

"At the moment PSS is able to operate on a tight budget because of the generosity of its volunteers. However funding is required for training and administration to ensure that the service is effective and of a high quality. The commitment of the Friendlies and the ongoing backing of PDL are pivotal to the ongoing success of the service."

Both AFSPA and PDL will now be represented on the committee of management of PSS. "Donations and sponsorship from pharmacists and pharmacy organisations are being sought so that PSS can expand throughout Australia," Mr Feldschuh said.

Source
Pharmacists' Support Service