Supporting medication safety in aged care: the Aged Care On-Site Pharmacist initiative
Brisbane South PHN is committed to enhancing the quality and safety of medication management in residential aged care homes (RACHs). The Aged Care On-Site Pharmacist (ACOP) initiative, introduced on 1 July 2024, provides funding to support dedicated pharmacists working within aged care homes to improve medication use and resident care.
What are the benefits of on-site pharmacists?
Having a pharmacist embedded within an aged care home can help:
reduce medication-related harm
support the safe and appropriate use of high-risk medicines
provide continuity in medication management
offer direct advice to residents and staff
strengthen the collaboration between nurses, GPs and community pharmacies.
How it works
Aged care homes can engage an on-site pharmacist through a community pharmacy or employ one directly where necessary. The funding provides one full-time equivalent pharmacist per 250 beds, allocated in 50-bed increments (equivalent to one day per week on-site per 50 beds)
Please note, homes with an on-site pharmacist will not receive Quality Use of Medicines (QUM) or Residential Medication Management Review (RMMR) services from external visiting pharmacists. Homes without an on-site pharmacist will continue to receive QUM and RMMR support.
Get involved
Aged care homes are encouraged to explore this opportunity to engage an on-site pharmacist to enhance medication safety and improve resident outcomes.
For more information, visit the Department of Health and Aged Care website or contact Brisbane South PHN for guidance and support at agedcare@bsphn.org.au.
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