The Pharmacy department’s education and training program aims to develop knowledge and practice skills to promote safe and effective medication use in patients in accordance with the mission and values of St Vincent’s Health Australia.
The pharmacy team comprises approximately 80 EFT (equivalent full-time staff), made up of 124 individuals, including pharmacists, technicians, and support staff. This team provides decentralized services across nine specialty locations within the hospital.
Our pharmacists play an active role in supporting patient care across a wide range of specialty treatment areas, including cardiology, cardiothoracic, neurology, nephrology and transplantation, oncology, haematology, intensive care, psychiatry, vascular medicine, general medicine, endocrinology, rheumatology, orthopaedics, gastrointestinal and liver medicine, emergency medicine, aseptic manufacturing, oncology production, medicines information, quality use of medicines, medication safety, antimicrobial stewardship, clinical trials, prescriber-partnered medication charting, clinical informatics, and home & virtual care.
Additionally, our in-house education program includes weekly tutorials for interns, continuing education sessions for staff, a journal club, and educational opportunities for medical and nursing staff.
Each year, the pharmacy department employs seven intern pharmacists. We are excited to play a part in their professional journey, rotating them through all areas of the department. Our goal is to provide a strong foundation and support their transition into skilled clinical practice.
Interns are employed for one year, with the program beginning in early January. Eligible candidates can apply through the Advanced Pharmacy Australia (AdPha) application process.
The department currently has agreements with Monash University, La Trobe University and RMIT University.
The university allocates the student clinical placements to our hospital. Once allocated, we will contact you with a link to access the 2025 SVHM Allied Health Clinical School SharePoint Page. Self-directed orientation tasks will be required to be completed prior to placement commencing.
To assist you in getting to our campuses and navigating our sites please refer to the links below for campus maps, parking and transport:
The following items should be current and brought with you on the first day of your placement:
National police check
All students must hold a current National Police Check (dated within 12 months of the anticipated commencement date. Students must bring the police check along with them on the first day of placement. If a current Police Check is not held by the student, then they will be refused attendance at their clinical placement until they are able to provide a police check.
Undergraduate immunisation status is managed directly via your education provider. As per SVHM Terms and Conditions students cannot attend placement unless they meet immunisation requirements for health professionals according to the Department of Health and Human Services vaccination for health care workers program.
Mandatory Immunisations for placement at SVHM include:
• Hepatitis B
• MMR (Measles/Mumps/Rubella)
• Varicella (Chickenpox)
• Diptheria/Tetanus
• Fluvax is made available to all of our students free of charge during our fluvax campaign.
Hand Hygiene is the most effective means of preventing the spread of nosocomial infections among hospital patients and personnel. It is a requirement that all students have completed the appropriate learning package at the Hand Hygiene Australia website and can show proof of completion by downloading a certificate prior to placement commencement. Non-compliance to hand hygiene will not be tolerated in the clinical areas.
Uniforms
Students are expected to look neat and professional at all times during clinical placements. They are encouraged to wear the University-designated uniform. Identification badges should be worn at all times during the clinical placement.
Attendance & Absences
If a student is delayed or unable to attend their clinical placement, they should contact the Undergraduate pharmacy coordinator (Erini) by calling 92316528 as well as contacting the university by 8.30am on the day. Messages and late phone calls are not acceptable. All time taken as sick leave when on clinical placement must be verified with a medical certificate or statutory declaration.
Mobile Phones
Mobile phones are not to be used during clinical time and should not be carried on the wards. Mobile phone use on the wards/in outpatients is deemed as unprofessional behaviour.
Privacy and Confidentiality
Please refer to the Hospital’s Privacy and Confidentiality Agreement. Students must adhere to the policies and ensure patient’s consent to student participation in patient interviews and medication counselling. Patient information must be de-identified for any case presentations, and none may be removed from the hospital.
Accident Procedures
All accidents involving students must be reported to the supervising pharmacist immediately. An online incident form will be completed and the relevant medical/nursing staff informed of the incident.
The Pharmacy employs a small number of third year pharmacy students each year for 3 weeks in December. Applications are made through SHPA.