Echuca Regional Health
Campus at which pharmacy interns will work: Echuca Regional Health
Echuca Regional Health (ERH) is located approximately 180 kilometres directly north of Melbourne in the Shire of Campaspe (Vic) and adjacent to the community of Moama (NSW). Echuca-Moama is on the banks of the Murray River in an area vibrant with agriculture and tourism, including wineries, music festivals and water sports.
Pharmacy services are provided to the following areas: general medical and surgical, high dependency, paediatrics, maternity, emergency, oncology, renal dialysis, rehabilitation, palliative care, pharmacotherapy. There is also dispensing for non-hospital patients for medications such as clozapine. ERH Pharmacy provides a clinical pharmacy service to two small regional hospitals in the region.
The hospital was an early adopter of electronic medication management, such as electronic medication charts (MedChart) and automated dispensing cabinets (MedDispense). Echuca Regional Health also participates in telehealth programs such as Victorian Stroke Telemedicine Program, and Virtual Trauma and Critical Care Unit (ViTCCU) support for high dependency patients. Pharmacists participate in Partnered Pharmacist Medication Charting (PPMC).
Intern program information
- Two intern positions are available in 2025 (government-funded)
The structured program provides interns with many learning opportunities and the understanding that we are providing training for them to become the best pharmacist they can be; not only to be successful in their intern exams. The program promotes accurate dispensing, gaining clinical knowledge in a variety of settings, support in their new role and preparedness for when they register as a pharmacist. The emphasis is on team collaboration for patient centred care. Our preceptor is experienced in this role and utilises their experience as a senior clinical pharmacist. Interns are provided with a comprehensive training calendar, which outlines the learning plan and tutorial roster.
Interns will spend time in all areas of the ERH Pharmacy Department and in areas that the department service, including:
- General clinical rotations
- Inpatient and outpatient dispensing
- Extemporaneous and aseptic manufacturing
- Medication safety and drug information including drug use evaluation and quality improvement activities
- Patient education sessions with Community Services
Interns will have a weekly meeting with the preceptor to discuss their progress challenges and achievements and plan their continuing professional development. Extensive assistance is available for both the written and oral registration exams in the form of practice exams, take home exams and quizzes. Interns will collaborate with peers through monthly video conferencing with other regional hospital pharmacists. Either the Monash University or PSA programme may be chosen.
Contacts
Alayne Matthews, Pharmacy Intern Preceptor
Tel. 03 5485 5988
Email. amatthews@erh.org.au
Brianna Leat, Acting Direct of Pharmacy
Tel. 03 5485 5987
Email. bleat@erh.org.au
Intern positions in 2025
- 2 DHHS funded