WACHS pharmacist intern program sends graduates to regional WA to build skills and support country demand

An intern program to boost access to pharmacists and support university graduates will see interns practice in regional towns across the State.

Nine graduates will travel to regional WA to take part in WA Country Health Service’s intern pharmacist program, focused on growing recent graduates’ skills while providing further assistance to country WA’s health services.

The program will provide accommodation subsidies, travel allowances and equipment to support them in their new roles. The graduates are set to start in January 2023, with one intern being sent to Geraldton Regional Hospital.

They will undertake specialist training and development in hospitals, retail, or community health services across the country.

Chief pharmacist Adam Hort, along with Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson and WACHS chief executive Jeff Moffet welcomed the graduate pharmacists.

“Pharmacists are a vital part of the healthcare system and at WA Country Health Service, we want to do all we can to support graduates to grow, develop and build a career in the bush,” Mr Hort said.

The one-year program is specially designed to equip pharmacy graduates with the skills and experience needed to register as a pharmacist, while helping communities access regional pharmacists.