Pharmacy Owners Urge Immediate Government Action After Baby's Tragic Death

The tragic death of a two-month-old baby, Bellamere Arwyn Duncan, has sent shockwaves through the pharmacy sector in New Zealand. Following the incident, pharmacy owners are calling on the government to take 'urgent' action, warning that 'lives are at stake' due to systemic failures in the healthcare system.

Bellamere died at Starship Hospital on 19 July after allegedly being given an adult dosage of phosphate by a Manawatū pharmacy. A coroner's preliminary opinion suggests that the infant died from phosphate toxicity. This incident has sparked an urgent joint review by the Ministry of Health and Health New Zealand, with Medsafe visiting the pharmacy to ensure it can continue operating safely.

Pharmacist Annabel Turley, owner of a pharmacy in Christchurch, has been vocal about the challenges facing the sector. In a letter to several ministers, including former Health Minister Dr Shane Reti and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, she highlighted the critical workforce shortages that are endangering the sustainability of pharmacy services across the country. 'We are at a tipping point,' she warned, emphasizing that pharmacists are no longer able to guarantee safe, consistent care in all circumstances.

Turley has called for an 'immediate moratorium' on issuing new pharmacy licences until the workforce situation is addressed. 'Opening new pharmacy sites in the current climate only exacerbates the strain on an already overstretched workforce,' she said. 'Without adequate staff, these new pharmacies will struggle to function, and existing pharmacies will be further depleted of resources.'

Another pharmacy owner, Anna Hewitt, echoed these concerns, stating that the critical workforce shortage has led to a 'Public Health Crisis.' She emphasized that pharmacists are not superhuman and cannot continue operating under such conditions without support. 'This is not just a workforce issue; it is a public health crisis,' she said.

The tragedy has also prompted calls for a law change that would make it mandatory for medication to be checked by two people before it is dispensed. Bellamere's parents are pushing for this measure, as they believe it could prevent similar incidents in the future.

A Ministry of Health spokesperson confirmed that several investigations are underway, including an urgent assessment by Medsafe and an investigation by the Pharmacy Council. 'Once these reviews are completed, we will be able to look at next steps,' the spokesperson said.

Health Minister Simeon Brown has assured the public that the incident has been raised with the Director-General of Health and that an investigation is underway. 'I expect that these investigations may propose recommendations, and that these will be reviewed once reports are complete,' he said.

The Pharmacy Council has not yet commented on whether it supports the calls for a law change, stating that its investigation is ongoing. However, the sector as a whole is under immense pressure, with many pharmacists expressing concerns about the sustainability of their services and the safety of their patients.

The tragic death of Bellamere Arwyn Duncan has highlighted the urgent need for reform in the pharmacy sector. As the investigations continue, the calls for action grow louder, with pharmacy owners and professionals demanding immediate changes to ensure the safety and sustainability of healthcare services in New Zealand.