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PRESS RELEASE

The College of Physicians and Surgeons, the Saskatchewan College of Pharmacists and the Saskatchewan Registered Nurses' Association are pleased to announce their commitment to work collaboratively with the Health Quality Council to improve drug management practices for senior citizens living in the community.

The Health Quality Council has completed a study of prescription drug utilization by Saskatchewan seniors with a focus on drugs that may carry special risk of harm for seniors. These drugs have been identified by Dr. Mark Beers, a world-renowned gerontologist.

Some seniors may require prescription drugs on the "Beers List". However, health professionals who prescribe, dispense and/or administer these drugs need to be continually alert to the special risks associated with these drugs when they are taken by more elderly people. When risks outweigh potential benefit, these drugs should not be prescribed.

The College of Physicians and Surgeons, the Saskatchewan College of Pharmacists and the Saskatchewan Registered Nurses' Association also believe that seniors need to be well informed about the risks associated with these drugs so that they can make well-informed decisions about their drug usage.

"Seniors have good relationships with their pharmacists, while pharmacists have well-established working relationships with the physicians and nurses caring for these seniors. With the help of seniors' organizations and the Health Quality Council, we hope to build upon these relationships to improve drug use", says Ray Joubert, Registrar of the Saskatchewan College of Pharmacists.

The regulatory organizations in medicine, pharmacy and nursing will take steps to ensure that their respective members and seniors who live in the community are informed about the risks associated with utilizing drugs on the Beers List. These organizations will also encourage senior citizens to have an active dialogue with their health care professionals about both the benefits and risks of using such drugs.

"RNs have and will continue to play a leadership role in providing safe and competent care for the people of Saskatchewan," said Donna Brunskill, RN, Executive Director of the SRNA. "The Health Quality Council report shows that nearly one in five seniors received a high risk, potentially avoidable medication in 2003-04.. This is worrisome. RNs will commit to working closely with seniors and other health providers to improve their health and well being."

Media Contacts:

Dr. Suresh Kassett, President, College of Physicians & Surgeons of Saskatchewan Tel: (306) 244-7355

Ray Joubert, Registrar, Saskatchewan College of Pharmacists, Tel: (306) 584-2292

Donna Brunskill, Executive Director, Saskatchewan Registered Nurses' Association Tel: (306) 359-4228