Professional staffing ratios for hospital pharmacy services – needed to preserve safe & effective use of medications

In a media release issued today by the Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia, a reminder is provided that minimum staffing levels must be preserved to protect the public. More information may be obtained from SHPA. Clinical pharmacy services are a proven means to reduce medication-related harm and to enhance the efficient and cost-effective use of medicines, both in hospitals and in other settings including residential aged care. A compelling case fro maintaining effective clinical pharmacy services has been available for many years, including a landmark Australian study published in a major international journal back in 2003.