9 June 2006

The NSW Cancer Institute and St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney have taken out the Health Professional QUM Award category at the National QUM Awards 2006 presented last night at an awards ceremony held at Parliament House, Canberra.

The organsiations won the award for their partnership on CI-SCaT - The Cancer Institute NSW Standard Treatment Program. Led by Professor Robyn Ward, CI-SCaT is an online resource of cancer treatment protocols developed by multidisciplinary teams of cancer specialists. The protocols aim to provide heath professionals with access to accurate and relevant information at the time of treatment, ensuring consistent and evidence-based care of patients.

The National QUM Awards are an initiative of the National Prescribing Service Ltd (NPS) and the Pharmaceutical Health And Rational use of Medicines (PHARM) Committee in recognition of the achievements of a variety of projects, programs and activities within the Quality Use of Medicines (QUM) sector.

Highly Commended was awarded to WA Country Health, Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services and Kimberley Division of General Practice for their Kimberley Standard Drug List & Chronic Disease Strategy. This is a health development service project that aims to improve the management of chronic, non-communicable disease through improved medication access and quality use of medicine in one of the remotest regions of Australia. The award was accepted by Henry Councillor.

Quality Use of Medicines (QUM) is one of the central objectives of Australia's National Medicines Policy. QUM means selecting management options wisely, choosing suitable medicines if a medicine is considered necessary; and using medicines safely and effectively.

The definition of QUM applies equally to decisions about medicine use by individuals and decisions that affect the health of the population.

“These biennial awards recognise the achievements of stakeholders in integrating QUM principles in their everyday activities,’ Dr Lynn Weekes, CEO of NPS, said.

‘The high quality of submissions gave the judging panel quite a challenge,’ she said.

The awards ceremony was held in conjunction with the National Medicines Symposium 2006 which concludes today.

ENDS

National Prescribing Service Limited (NPS) is an independent, non-profit organisation for Quality Use of Medicines. We provide accurate, balanced, evidence-based information and services to help people choose if, when and how to use medicines to improve their health and wellbeing. We are member-based and work in partnership with health professionals, government, pharmaceutical industry and consumers. NPS is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing.