The ground has been broken on PSA’s new Canberra headquarters
Federal Assistant Health Minister Dr David Gillespie officially launched the start of construction for the new building, which PSA says will be a state-of-the-art modern pharmacy hub.
The purpose-built Pharmacy House, located in Deakin and close to Parliament House, Federal Government departments and other national medical organisations, will empower PSA to pursue its vision of improving the health of Australians through excellence in pharmacist care, the organisation says.
Pharmacy House will be designed to ensure PSA continues to provide the best member and advocacy services for pharmacists across Australia, it says.
During the launch ceremony, Dr Gillespie – the Federal Member for Lyne – turned the first sod along with PSA leaders at the historic building site to mark the beginning of construction.
PSA National Vice President Michelle Lynch says the impressive building will honour PSA’s past and present achievements as well as embody the exciting future for all pharmacists in Australia.
“Pharmacy House will be more than just a building; it’s part of a drive into the future for all pharmacists who are the most accessible healthcare professionals in Australia,” Ms Lynch says.
“Importantly, PSA will retain the name Pharmacy House and the location will be on the same site as the original Pharmacy House built in 1984, which was built thanks to the generosity of members.
“We are very grateful to those members who have already donated to the new building, and hope that members will continue to support their headquarters over the next 12 months.”
PSA CEO Dr Lance Emerson says: “The new Pharmacy House positions PSA as an increasingly influential stakeholder and advocacy organisation in the national healthcare sector.
“We have chosen Canberra for our national headquarters – and the innovative building is expected to become a pharmacy hub and a landmark in its own right,” Dr Emerson says.
Pharmacy House will incorporate a members’ lounge, multi-functional boardroom featuring as well as a display of historical pharmacy artefacts donated to PSA over many years. The display will tell a special story of pharmacists in Australia and will be a showpiece of the new Pharmacy House.