The Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler has announced the end of the in-house pharmacy program in aged care, which was a recommendation of the Aged Care Royal Commission.

The $350 million the Government had allocated for in-house pharmacies, over four years, will instead be re-directed to community pharmacies, which will take on the work of Resident Medication Management Reviews (RMMR) and medication management in aged care.

The Aged & Community Care Providers Association (ACCPA) said the finding is “as disappointing as it is surprising”.

“Regular medication reviews and improved medication management in aged care homes was a recommendation of the Aged Care Royal Commission aimed at improving the quality of care in residential aged care,” said ACCPA CEO Tom Symondson.

“Regular reviews of medication for residents and access to on-site advice is critical to ensuring the types of medication prescribed and dosages remain relevant. This ensures quality and consistency of standards.

“An accredited pharmacist on site can review medication where a resident has had unintended effects to ensure dosages are administered correctly.”