Virtual pharmacy service expands to support surgical patients in Kununurra

WA Country Health Service has recently expanded the Virtual Pharmacy Pre-Admission Clinic (PAC) in Kununurra - providing essential medication management support for patients ahead of surgery.

This Virtual Care Awareness Week (27 – 31 October) WA Country Health Service celebrates the stories and advances in innovation that are delivering, and improving, high-quality care to country communities.

First trialled in mid-2024 at Busselton Health Campus, the Virtual Pharmacy PAC has already proven successful through phased expansion to Bunbury, Hedland, Geraldton, and Kalgoorlie, and aims to enhance patient safety and ensure a smoother peri-operative process.

Specialist pharmacists contact patients two weeks prior to their PAC appointment to gather a comprehensive medication history, review current medications, and develop a clear management plan in collaboration with anaesthetists or surgeons when necessary.

Patients receive an emailed medication list with clear instructions for pre-surgery preparation, and for those needing extra support - such as patients in remote communities or those using Webster packs (a blister pack of organised medications) - the service liaises directly with their community pharmacy or carers.

The Kununurra launch is an important milestone, as these patients often come from remote communities where there can be limited access to health services and pharmacies due to geographical location and proximity.

Deputy Chief Pharmacist - Virtual Services Nikki Reynolds said the team has worked to ensure that patients in country WA receive the same high-quality care and ready access to streamlined services.

“This service improves medication access for country patients by enabling early pharmacist consultation to understand and communicate medication history and advice before surgery,” she said.

“Our role is to ensure every patient goes into surgery with a clear, safe, and well-communicated medication plan.