1. Daniel O’Driscoll BPharm MPS

2.  Sleep apnoea occurs when the walls of the throat come together during sleep, blocking off the upper airway.  Condition characterised by: ◦ Daytime sleepiness, fatigue and tiredness ◦ Poor concentration ◦ Irritability and mood changes ◦ Impotence and reduced sex drive ◦ Need to get up to toilet frequently at night  It’s estimated that about five per cent of Australians suffer from this sleep disorder, with around one in four men over the age of 30 years affected.

4.  Sleep apnoea is associated with an increased risk of ◦ Cardiovascular disease ◦ Stroke ◦ High Blood pressure ◦ Diabetes ◦ Arrhythmias ◦ Sleep deprived car accidents

5.  Health professionals can refer patients for Home Sleep Study testing.  Patients are fitted with a SOMTE machine to monitor blood oxygen levels, monitor for restless legs and monitor a patients Respiratory Disturbance Index (RDI) which determines the severity of sleep apnoea  In the event of a positive diagnosis, patients are encouraged to trial Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) and counselled on contributing factors such as excessive weight and alcohol use.  Conveniently located in Health Pharmacy Northam in the Boulevarde Shopping Centre and Health Pharmacy York on Avon Terrace

6.  By pushing positive airway pressure through the nose and mouth, the patients airways remain open, allowing the patient to reduce their apnoeas and achieve better quality sleep.  One of the most effective treatments for Obstructive Sleep Apnoea  Resmed RESCAN technology allows for sleep technicians to download data and regularly monitor the effectiveness of CPAP for their patients

7.  A report issued by the Pharmacy Guild of Australia found that approximately 50% of patients failed to adhere to their medication regime, leading to poorer health outcomes and increased health care costs.  Dose Administration Aids (DAA) can reduce the complexity of medication regimes, improve Quality Use of Medicines and lead to better health outcomes.

8.  Health Pharmacy Northam has a specialised DAA manufacturing facility, responsible for the manufacture of over 1000 DAA’s per week. We provide DAA’s for nursing homes, prisons, detention facilities and community clients  Health Pharmacy Northam has a triple check system for their DAA’s, reducing risk of errors and improving medication delivery to clients  Health Pharmacy Northam can provide stationary for community care organisations to keep records of medication administration

9.  All community DAA clients are encouraged to engage in a MEDSCHECK  A medscheck is a free service to community patients to have a one-on-one consultation with a Pharmacist to discuss issues around medication compliance and ways to address it.  Counselling on the proper use of pharmaceutical devices (e.g. Inhalers)

10.  Health Pharmacy Northam thank you for listening