Industry helps upgrade Pharmacy facilities

The University of Queensland's School of Pharmacy teaching facilities have been upgraded with financial support from the University and the Australian pharmaceutical industry.

Two practice rooms, a multi-user laboratory and a practice laboratory have been renovated with $250,000 from the University and $300,000 committed from the Australian pharmaceutical industry.

School of Pharmacy head Associate Professor Susan Tett said the new facilities would result in more efficient teaching and greater access to resources and self-directed learning for students.

The School now had a CD-ROM database of drug information packages, she said.

'This makes learning easier and more relevant for the students,' she said.

The School's audiovisual equipment had also been upgraded, with improved video camera technology for students to practise counselling patients/clients, she said.

Sigma Pharmaceuticals has pledged $100,000 over a three-year period for the School ($70,000 received to date). The funds were used to renovate one of the pharmacy practice rooms which now has new desks, cupboards, pharmacy shelves, counter, audiovisual equipment and air conditioning.

Sigma's support also provided new computers for the room and a new computer network for the School.

The School, the University and the Faculty of Health Sciences has provided $250,000 to completely refurbish the multi-user laboratory. It has been converted from two small labs and an office, with new benches and floor.

Australian Pharmaceutical Industries, which offers a $5000 honours scholarship each year, provided funding to renovate the other pharmacy practice room. It has some new desks, pharmacy shelves, counter, carpet, drug information software and computers. API has also pledged funding for audiovisual equipment and air conditioning.

Pharmaceutical wholesalers Fauldings have donated $50,000 (with another $45,000 pledged) for the School's practice laboratory. It has been re-modelled and new computers have been installed.

Future plans include building a new instrument room and conversion of a storage area into office space.

For more information, contact Associate Professor Tett (telephone 3365 3191, fax 3365 1688).