PSNZ - Pharmacy in Focus PSNZ

Cyclone Gabriele hit New Zealand on 12th Feb 2023. Prime Minister Chris Hipkins called it the biggest natural disaster this century.

On Feb 14th 2023 Cyclone Gabriele cause widespread damage to homes and infrastructure in Hawkes Bay due to flooding, slips and silt. Over 70,000 residents were left without power, internet, cell phone networks, health services, wastewater, drinking water or roads. Many were left isolated.



In this episode, I am talking to Vanessa Brown, a pharmacist based in Hawkes Bay about her experience during this time. What happened, the challenges faced and learnings that have come from it.

In this episode I chat to Gary Chalmers about what pharmacy was like when he first started his career in pharmacy, some differences he has found as a locum in different regions, and why he is an advocate for CPAMS.

In this episode I chat with Lanny Wong about her experience during the recent weather events, her experience when the co-payments were removed, and why she decided to be a GirlBoss Edge mentor

In this episode, I talk to Palki Kaur, a pharmacy technician and PACT. We talk about Palki’s background, her experience as a Girlboss Edge: Healthcare mentor and her thoughts on technicians mentoring others.

In this episode we discuss Susie’s experience of being a new mum and returning to work full-time, the challenges she faced and how she managed these.

When applying for a medicine to be reclassified, there is a set process that is followed. However, the COVID-19 antivirals did not follow this process and were reclassified through a specific legislation in the Medicines Act.

In this episode I talk to Billy Allan, Manager Pharmacy, Te Whatu Ora, Health New Zealand to find out about the usual medicine reclassification process, and also why the COVID-19 antivirals were reclassified under this different mechanism.