The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has thanked outgoing Pharmacist Support Service (PSS) President John Coppock OAM FPS for his service to the profession, having led the organisation since 2010.
PSA National President Dr Fei Sim FPS acknowledged Mr Coppock’s longstanding dedication to supporting pharmacists and the broader profession.
“PSA has long supported the vital work that PSS does to ensure that pharmacists have mental health resources available when they need them and will continue to do so.
“We are immensely proud of the impact that John, CEO Kay Dunkley, and their team at PSS have had on our profession, lending a listening ear to any pharmacist, pharmacy student or intern who may need it. It is with this support that we can provide the best care to our own patients.
“On behalf of the profession I sincerely thank John for his many years of leadership and wish him well in his well-deserved retirement.”
Dr Sim also congratulated Curtis Ruhnau MPS on his election as the next PSS President, alongside Helen Dowling MPS who was re-elected as Vice President, and PSA Life Member David North OAM MPS who was re-elected as Treasurer.
“Curtis is a strong leader with a genuine understanding of the challenges our profession is facing.
“I have no doubt that the PSS will thrive under his leadership.
“I look forward to continuing our work with PSS, under Curtis’ leadership, to support pharmacists and the profession,” Dr Sim concluded.
The Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) also extended thanks to outgoing President John Coppock OAM for his 14-year stint as leader and contributions to the profession.
APC Director and PSS Representative, Amanda Galbraith acknowledges Mr Coppock’s dedication to supporting pharmacist across Australia.
“The work of PSS is an integral part to maintaining the strength of our workforce.
“John has been the President/Chair of PSS for 14 years, extending the amazing support provided to pharmacists from Victoria to all Australian pharmacists. His pragmatic and enthusiastic leadership will be missed by all of PSS’s volunteers and board directors,” Ms Galbraith said.
APC also congratulates Curtis Ruhnau MPS on his election as incoming PSS President, alongside Helen Dowling who was re-elected as Vice President, and David North OAM MPS who was re-elected as Treasurer.
“Curtis is the PDL representative on the PSS Board, and has been a strong advocate for the work of PSS, and its role in supporting pharmacists through the challenges of the last few years.
“Curtis has long advocated for pharmacists to reach out to colleagues, to friends, and to PSS, whenever needed to support their mental health, and APC is confident the organisation is in good hands moving forward,” Ms Galbraith said.
The Pharmacists Support Service (PSS) is available to provide a listening ear and support over the phone every day of the year from 8am to 11pm AEDT. Call 1300 244 910 for anonymous and confidential support from a pharmacist colleague over the phone.
