Older residents across Cairns and the Atherton Tablelands can now access a pharmacist directly within their general practice, as the Older Persons Medication Management Pilot Project expands in northern Queensland.
Six pharmacists have joined seven general practices across the region as part of the project, delivered through a partnership between Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) and the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA).
The project first launched in Townsville and Charters Towers in late 2024, and its expansion into Cairns and Atherton marks the next step in bringing this model of care to more communities across northern Queensland.
The project aims to increase access to services delivered by non-dispensing pharmacists for people over 65 and First Nations peoples over 50.
GP pharmacists are embedded within participating practices as part of the multidisciplinary care team, providing independent medication advice, reviews, improved medication safety, and education to help patients better manage their health.
The seven participating practices are Wheels of Wellness, Wuchopperen Health Service, Mount Sheridan Medical Practice, Apple Tree Medical, Atherton Health Hub, Upward Life Family Practice, and Cairns Central Medical.
NQPHN Chief Executive Officer Ben Tooth said the expansion of the project into Cairns and Atherton represented a significant step forward in delivering better medication management for older people across northern Queensland.
“Older people living with multiple chronic conditions often face complex and demanding medication regimens, and we know that medication errors become significantly more likely when someone is managing five or more medicines,” said Mr Tooth.
“This project places a skilled pharmacist right at the heart of the general practice team – where they can work closely with GPs, nurses, and patients to make sure medications are working as they should.
“We’re proud to be bringing this model of care to Cairns and Atherton, and look forward to seeing the difference it makes for our community.”
L-R: Kerrie Lawler (Practice Manager), Kerry Brotchie (GP Pharmacist) and Marissa Stelmaschuk (Project Manager) pictured at Upward Life Family Practice
L-R: Jodi Brown (CEO, Wheels of Wellness) with Kerry Brotchie (GP Pharmacist)
A launch event brought together participating practices and GP pharmacists from across the region to mark the commencement of the Cairns portion of the project this month.
PSA Project Manager Marissa Stelmaschuk has since visited each of the participating practices to align them with their assigned GP pharmacists.
Ms Stelmaschuk said the project’s expansion in northern Queensland marked an important milestone for multidisciplinary primary care in the region.
“The Older Persons Medication Management Pilot Project – a collaboration between the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia and NQPHN – focuses on improved medication management in older persons by integrating non-dispensing pharmacists into general practices,” she said.
“I am thrilled to be managing six talented pharmacists as they integrate into seven unique practices across Cairns and Atherton.
“Having worked as a GP pharmacist in Townsville for many years, I have seen first-hand the benefits of true multidisciplinary care and the profound impact a pharmacist can have in this primary care setting.
“To see this project move further north, reaching more practices, more pharmacists and – most importantly – more patients, feels like a dream come true. I’m very excited to see this project unfold and watch the GP pharmacist role flourish in northern Queensland.”
Project pharmacist Kerry Brotchie, who will be embedded across Wheels of Wellness and Upward Life Family Practice, said the welcoming environment within the practices had set a strong foundation for collaborative care.
“As I begin onboarding into the Older Person’s Medication Management pilot, I’ve been encouraged by the warm and collaborative environment at Wheels of Wellness and Upward Life Clinic,” Ms Brotchie said.
“Bringing pharmacist skills into the fold will strengthen how we support older patients, and I’m excited to contribute to safer, more connected care.”
About the Older Persons Medication Management Pilot Project
Under the Older Persons Medication Management Pilot Project, the pharmacist and general practice work together to identify patients who are:
- 65 years and older, or First Nations people 50 years and older
- prescribed more than five medications
- at high risk of falls, or who have had a recent fall within three months.
Pharmacists in general practice will collaborate with the practice team – including GPs, nurses, and allied health professionals – to assess whether a patient’s medications may increase the risk of falls, check for harmful interactions or unnecessary medications, and adjust medications to improve safety and effectiveness.