Great Ocean Road Health (GORH) introduced the Aged Care On-site Pharmacist (ACOP) Program into their Lorne Nursing Home in early 2024, and now says the program has become an integral part of its aged care model.
This Australian Government initiative is funded by Western Victoria Primary Health Network (WVPHN), and supports credentialed pharmacists to work on-site in residential aged care homes as part of the care team. The program helps improve medication safety, strengthens governance, and enhances collaboration between nurses, GP’s and residents.
“The ACOP has significantly improved the quality of medication delivery and sharing of information,” said Andrea Russell, GORH Director of Clinical Services. “Our GP and aged care staff all agree, the ACOP program has many positive benefits.”
The on-site pharmacist provides weekly support for nursing and medical teams, ensuring timely medication reviews, improved communication, training and education, and safer prescribing practices.
“Having a pharmacist on-site is incredibly empowering, not only for residents but also for nursing staff making confident, informed medication decisions. The collaboration and holistic approach have been invaluable. Every aged care home deserves to experience the difference an ACOP can make,” said Carly Enticott, Lorne Nursing Home Nurse Unit Manager.
WVPHN’s Aged Care team is currently facilitating the ACOP program across western Victoria to embed on-site pharmacists in rural and regional aged care homes.
“The feedback we’re hearing is incredibly positive,” said Craig Wilding, WVPHN Chief Executive Officer. “We’re really proud of our aged care team, who are leading the way to support every residential aged care home in western Victoria to strengthen the relationship between pharmacists and care teams.”
For further information about the ACOP program, please contact the WVPHN Aged Care Team on [email protected]