14 May 2010
A Standard for pharmacy services across New Zealand has recently been published. The Standard will foster continuing quality improvements for community and hospital-based pharmacy services, and for clinical pharmacy services not provided from a pharmacy.
Published in April, experts say the Health and disability services Standards– Pharmacy services Standard NZS 8134.7:2010 creates a solid foundation to ensure that pharmacy services reflect good practice. The new Standard will be part of Ministry of Health audits from 1 July 2010.
With a focus on outcomes, NZS 8134.7:2010 aims to ensure:
- consumers receive safe services of an appropriate standard that complies with consumer rights legislation
- consumers receive timely services which are planned, coordinated, and delivered in an appropriate manner
- services are managed in a safe, efficient, and effective manner, which complies with legislation
- services are provided in a clean, safe environment that is appropriate for the needs of the consumer.
The Ministry of Health, which is contracted by district health boards to carry out the pharmacy quality auditing of all pharmacies has until now been guided by a number of standards developed in the 1990s.
The ministry brought together key stakeholders from across the pharmacy sector to determine whether new standards were needed. That group supported the development of updated standards.
NZS 8134.7:2010 was developed by a committee of representatives from pharmacy and the wider health sector, using a consensus-based process that facilitated public input – including a full public consultation process on the draft Standard. Development of NZS 8134.7:2010 was undertaken by Standards New Zealand.
NZS 8134.7:2010 can be purchased direct from Standards New Zealand www.standards.co.nz – enter '8134.7' in the search panel to buy online, or call 0800 782 632 during business hours.
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Media enquiries
Standards New Zealand media contact
Shona Weller
Standards New Zealand
(04) 498 3986
shona.weller@standards.co.nz
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About Standards New Zealand
Standards New Zealand is the operating arm of the Standards Council, and part of New Zealand's standards and conformance infrastructure. Standards New Zealand is an autonomous Crown entity responsible for managing the development and distribution of Standards across a range of sectors nationally.
Standards New Zealand is a self-funded, not-for-profit organisation, relying on revenue primarily from contracts with sponsors to develop Standards, and from sales of Standards publications. Our independence helps us facilitate a cross section of stakeholders' contributions to the development of Standards, and ensure that each Standard meets the needs of end users.
www.standards.co.nz