Draft Competency Standards Framework for Pharmacy Technicians - launched for FEEDBACK
Please see below for a copy of the draft Australasian Competency Standards Framework for Pharmacy Technicians in hospitals and health services
NZHPA have collaborated with AdPha (formerly SHPA) on the development of these standards. We are now inviting feedback on these proposed standards, and would very much value your input.
Background
The initial motivation for developing these standards was to enable technicians to access ANZCAP. For pharmacists, all of the ANCAP portfolios are mapped to the Competence Standards for Aotearoa New Zealand Pharmacists 2023, no such framework exists for Technicians.
Technicians are an essential member of the pharmacy workforce and NZHPA are committed to supporting their development and growth and we see these standards as an important part of recognising the huge potential of technicians.
Once these standards are agreed then there will be the ability to develop an ANZCAP pathway for technicians providing the ability to demonstrate levels of practice for those who choose to participate. These standards are also an essential component for moving towards technicians becoming a professionally registered workforce.
Who was involved?
Led by Joanna Pizzi, Lead Pharmacist – Workforce projects AdPha
Kylee Hayward, Pharmacist Head of Workforce Advancement AdPha
From NZHPA:
Sian Dawson, Education and Training Pharmacist Auckland and previous NZHPA President
Carol Robinson Technician Team Leader, Bay of Plenty and Technician SIG convenor
Nicki Thomson Technician Team Leader Wellington and Executive member
With consultation from:
Mariana Hudson and Andy Davis from Māori Pharmacist Association
Here is the link for feedback https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RRDPKVZ. Consultation closes on 15th August
Pharmacy Sector Leaders Forum (PSLF) - Common Purpose Statement
NZHPA is proud to be part of the newly formed New Zealand Pharmacy Sector Leaders Forum (PSLF), this group has recently released a common purpose statement.
We need to join together as a sector to tackle the challenges and identify solutions for pharmacy both now and in the future, says PSLF.
“Our common purpose statement sets out a unified future for pharmacy which will enable excellent patient care.
“By working collaboratively, we will represent the pharmacy sector to drive positive change across sustainability, help deliver a well-resourced and supported workforce where equity is fundamental.
“We are also committed to enabling the pharmacy workforce to deliver better patient outcomes by working at the top of scope in all settings, incorporating innovation and new developments in medicine.
“Together we stand stronger, and we are in a better position to realise positive change and ensure that patients remain at the centre of everything we do.”
The PSLF met for the second time in February 2025 and will meet again soon.
Members of PSLF who are signatories to the common purpose statement are: the Clinical Advisory Pharmacists Association (CAPA), the Independent Community Pharmacy Group (ICPG), the Independent Pharmacists Association (IPANZ), the Māori Pharmacists Association (MPA), the New Zealand Hospital Pharmacy Association (NZHPA), the Pharmacy Council (PCNZ), the Pharmacy Defence Association (PDA), the Pacific Pharmacists Association (PPA), the Pharmaceutical Society of New Zealand (PSNZ), the University of Auckland School of Pharmacy, the University of Otago School of Pharmacy, and the University of Waikato School of Pharmacy.
NZHPA 2024 Conference Awards
conf awards
First Trans-Tasman hospital pharmacy partnership between NZHPA and SHPA
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).
Pictured: SHPA President Tom Simpson with NZHPA President Sian Dawson at signing of MoU in Auckland
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.’