23-06-08 (Auckland) Drug Free Sport NZ and the Pharmacy Guild have initiated a strong relationship in an effort to reinforce athlete support in New Zealand. The relationship has kicked off with Drug Free Sport NZ providing an information stand at Pharmex 08 in Auckland. "Pharmacy staff are on the front line when it comes to dispensing medications. When an athlete approaches an assistant or pharmacist, we want to ensure that everyone involved in the process can confidently use our information services or advise using in-house resources", says Andrew Sylvester, Drug Free Sport NZ education programme manager. The Guild is continuing discussions with the agency and plans to provide access to their members via future events and utilising existing communications to assist with providing support and training. Future plans include an accreditation system for pharmacy staff - based on an annual refresher course and specific resources being developed in support of the programme.
