Joint media release from Pharmaceutical Society of New Zealand and the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners

Two bodies representing the vast majority of pharmacists and general practitioners in New Zealand have formed a new alliance.

The Pharmaceutical Society of New Zealand (PSNZ) and the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (RNZCGP) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the main aim of improving use of medicines through enhanced collaboration between GPs and pharmacists.  

Nationally, the two organisations will work together in areas including policy development and education and training and as an advocacy and lobby group to create positive change in primary health care. In parallel, we expect that this will result in closer working relationships between GPs and their pharmacist colleagues.

PSNZ President Elizabeth Plant emphasised the fact that: "Strengthening communication and collaboration at a national level will bolster relationships between frontline pharmacists and GPs and improve patient outcomes."

RNZCGP President Dr Harry Pert welcomed the opportunity for closer working between the two professions: "This is all about improving quality and safety in the use of medicines for the benefit of patients," he said.