Petrie named aged care pharmacist of the year
Following a three-decade career dedicated to medication management in aged care, Neil Petrie has been honoured by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia this month.
The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia has announced Neil Petrie as the inaugural recipient of the PSA Australian Medicines Handbook Aged Care Pharmacist of the Year Award. He was presented the award on 2 May at the Consultant Pharmacists Conference in Adelaide.
The Aged Care Pharmacist of the Year award recognises excellence, leadership, and innovation in aged care pharmacy.
Mr Petrie told Australian Ageing Agenda he was “deeply honoured” to receive the award, finding the recognition specifically for work in the aged care sector encouraging.
“While the sector has faced significant criticism in recent years, it’s important to acknowledge the many dedicated professionals who strive every day to provide a safe and supportive environment for those in care,” he told AAA.
PSA national president Associate Professor Fei Sim said Mr Petrie was a most deserving recipient of the inaugural award.
“PSA is proud to honour Neil Petrie as the inaugural PSA AMH Aged Care Pharmacist of the Year, recognising a career dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of older Australians, leading the embedding of pharmacists in aged care,” she said.
“Recognising pharmacists like Neil reinforces the vital contribution our profession makes to the care of older Australians and inspires continued excellence in aged care pharmacy practice.”
Mr Petrie has dedicated over 30 years to patients through his specialisation in medication management and aged care and was one of the first pharmacists accredited to conduct medication reviews in 1998.
He has delivered thousands of comprehensive medication reviews in aged care facilities across metropolitan and rural Victoria, resolving medication problems and improving facility-wide medicine practices alongside playing a key role in updating the national guidelines for medication reviews, contributing to research and advisory panels, and pioneering onsite pharmacist roles in aged care facilities.
He was also one of the first aged care onsite pharmacists at Donwood Community Care in Victoria.
“My focus has always been on supporting residents and staff to ensure the safe and effective use of medicines, with a particular interest in education on medication-related topics,” he told AAA.
“The ACOP role has allowed me to concentrate on a single facility, building closer relationships and a better understanding of individual care needs. I value the strong team environment at Donwood, where we work together to improve outcomes for residents. The ACOP role builds on my previous experience, offering more flexibility and timely interventions.
“While the ACOP program is a positive step, it’s still evolving. I believe more support is needed for rural and remote services, which are not yet adequately addressed in the current model. I’m hopeful that ongoing improvements will be made as evidence from the program grows.”
Mr Petrie was also the recipient of the Victorian Pharmacist Medal in 2014, the PSA Quality Use of Medicines in Pain Management award in 2016 and the Australian Association of Consultant Pharmacist award 2019.
Angus Thompson was another pharmacist recognised at the Consultant Pharmacists Conference, being named as the Credentialed Pharmacist of the Year.
Since becoming credentialed in 2013 Mr Thompson has completed over 2,000 medication reviews and has worked tirelessly to improve medicine safety for vulnerable populations, particularly for people living with disabilities.
Ms Sim said that Mr Thompson embodies the role of credentialed pharmacists in improving patient outcomes, advancing professional practice, and shaping the future of the profession.
“Through his clinical excellence, advocacy, and mentorship, Angus has made an extraordinary contribution not only to the health of Tasmanians but to consultant pharmacy nationally. PSA is proud to recognise his dedication and impact with this prestigious award,” he said.
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