Austin Health transplant pharmacists Jacqueline Balassone and Lucy Morison

25 September 2025

Today on World Pharmacists Day, we recognise the critical role pharmacists play in improving patient care and outcomes.

At Austin Health, pharmacists are integral across inpatient, at-home, dispensary and outpatient settings – supporting patients with safe and effective medication use.

This year we’ve welcomed two dedicated outpatient transplant pharmacists, Jacqueline Balassone and Lucy Morison (pictured), who provide specialised support to solid organ transplant recipients.

From personalised education before and after transplant, regular adherence assessments, and ongoing medication counselling, their expertise ensures patients receive world-class care throughout their transplant journey.

Associate Professor John Whitlam, Director of the Australian Centre for Transplantation Excellence and Research (ACTER), says that transplant pharmacists are an “indispensable part of our multidisciplinary team”.

“Transplant pharmacists offer subspecialist knowledge in immunosuppression and drug interactions, ensuring patient safety, and providing essential support beyond the hospital into GP practices and community pharmacies. Their expertise and patient-centred care are integral to successful transplantation,” he says.

In addition to direct patient care, our transplant pharmacists provide pharmacotherapeutic support to physicians, nursing and pharmacy staff. They also engage with consumer groups to enhance the patient's experience and contribute to transplant related research endeavours.

Professor Adam Testro, Director of Liver and Intestinal Transplant Medicine, says:

“Having someone with expert knowledge of complex immunosuppressant medication, along with drug level monitoring and drug interaction surveillance allows us to provide comprehensive transplant care in line with international best practice guidelines.”

"Our pharmacist Jacqueline works as an interface between our inpatients and outpatients, facilitating a smooth and safe discharge process, as well as being an asset to our primary care partners. She regularly liaises with both general medical practices and community pharmacies and has already identified and avoided medication prescribing errors."

On this World Pharmacists Day, we celebrate the expertise and dedication of our pharmacists, whose contributions are vital to the success and wellbeing of our patients at Austin Health.