It has been a period of significant change at the VPA. We celebrated Senior Pharmacist David Thirlwall’s retirement earlier this year and recognised his many contributions to the work of the VPA. Experienced VPA inspector Jessica Webster stepped into the Senior Pharmacist role from April this year.

We thank Marie Ritchie for her contributions as an Authority member. Marie recently completed her second 3-year term as a community member of the VPA. We welcome Jane Hill, an accomplished leader in health and community services, who was appointed as a community member from 1 July 2024.

It was pleasing to see and meet many licensees, pharmacists and stakeholders at our recent hybrid information evening on the VPA inspection program and risk-based approach for pharmacies. The session highlighted licensees’ compliance obligations under the regulatory framework and high-risk areas which typically form the focus of inspections. Our recently published Statement of Regulatory Approach includes information on the risk-based approach and is intended to support licensees to develop a strong and effective compliance culture.

An increased focus on risk management requires licensees to identify and appropriately manage risks in their pharmacies and pharmacy departments. The updated VPA self-audit form is a valuable tool designed to assist licensees and pharmacists with this task by auditing their compliance with key requirements of the Act, VPA Standards, VPA guidelines and good pharmacy practice. The revised VPA Guidelines also include new guidance to support compliance with the standards relating to risk management. 

David McConville
Chair

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