Community
26 June, 2026
Pharmacy partnership proves beneficial
A PARTNERSHIP between Camperdown Pharmacy, Leura Aged Care and Sunnyside House has seen improved safety and better medication management thanks to an On-site Aged Care Pharmacist (ACOP) program.
Camperdown’s two aged care homes have partnered with Camperdown Pharmacy as part of the Australian Government’s ACOP program to improve the health and wellbeing of people living in the town’s residential aged care homes.
ACOP pharmacists Hayley Vuzum and Rae Saunders dedicate time each week at the two aged care facilities to oversee medication management for residents to support the work of general practitioners (GPs) and help educate and guide the aged care homes’ staff.
Ms Saunders said being on-site at Leura Aged Care had allowed her to make real-time medication adjustments, streamline referrals and support coordinated care.
“Medication charts are clearer, quality indicators are improving and collaboration between nurses, GPs and pharmacy ensures residents receive safe and timely care,” she said.
Ms Vuzum said she enjoyed keeping clinical priorities on track and working collaboratively with residents, families and staff at Sunnyside House.
“The role has broadened my scope of practice beyond the traditional pharmacy setting and allows me to make a meaningful difference in residents’ day-to-day care,” she said.
Camperdown Clinic GP Dr Tim Noone said having Ms Vuzum on-site at Sunnyside House improved medication management alongside the ability to collaborate and share ideas.
“Hayley attends resident rounds with me each week, writes detailed progress notes and is excellent at identifying changes in residents’ health status whether that relates to diet, wellbeing or emerging clinical concerns,” he said.
The Western Victoria Primary Health Network (WVPHN) is coordinating the ACOP program across western Victoria by offering support and guidance to both residential aged care homes and interested pharmacists wishing to participate.
WVPHN chief executive officer Craig Wilding praised the partnership involving Camperdown Pharmacy, Leura Aged Care and Sunnyside House as a leading example of how primary healthcare providers had come together to deliver real results.
“The Camperdown community can be proud of what it has achieved with the ACOP program and how it is supporting its residential aged care home residents to receive safer and more coordinated medication management where they live,” he said.
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