The WA Country Health Service has announced that a record number of intern pharmacists were being deployed to remote and regional areas under its Pharmacy Internship Program.
“Focused on growing the next generation of pharmacists, the program offers university graduates the opportunity to undertake specialist training and development in hospitals and health services around the State,” the Service said in a statement.
“Pharmacy graduates will be able to complete their internships in community retail or hospital settings — marking a significant investment in the ongoing growth and sustainability of the hospital pharmacy workforce.”
The Service said the one-year program was specially designed to equip pharmacy graduates with the required skills and experience to register as a pharmacist.
“Nine graduates will deploy to country WA in January 2023 and are being further supported through accommodation subsidies, travel allowances and equipment,” the Service said.
Minister for Health, Amber-Jade Sanderson said the Pharmacy Internship Program was just one of the many ways the Department of Health was working to attract and retain healthcare professionals across the health system.
“It is hoped this program will drive graduates to consider a long-term career in country WA,” Ms Sanderson said.
“In return, country communities will benefit from great access to regional pharmacists in both hospital and community settings.”
She said pharmacists were a vital part of the healthcare system and it was important that as much could be done as possible to support new graduates considering a career in the health system.
