SHPA was established in 1941 following the pioneering efforts of 25 public hospital pharmacists in Victoria. From 1947 to 1964 other branches were developed. The inaugural meeting of the SHPA Federal Council and the first SHPA federal conference was held in Adelaide in 1961.

SHPA has a long-standing commitment to the profession of hospital pharmacy and to the profession’s role in ensuring optimal health outcomes for Australian consumers by the safe and effective use of medicines.

Safe and effective medication use is the core business of hospital pharmacists.

SHPA is the only professional pharmacy organisation with an especially strong base of members practising in hospitals and other facilities. SHPA specialises in advocacy for the professional interests of hospital pharmacists and technicians, as well as those delivering a full range of professional pharmacy services across the entire health system.

What were once “hospital services” are now being delivered in a range of other settings and the changing nature of health care delivery is now also reflected in the diversity of SHPA membership. Whilst maintaining a strong public hospital base, SHPA now draws members from a diverse range of pharmacy and health practice settings including public and private hospitals, community pharmacy, academia, research, industry, government, consultant pharmacy and a range of quality use of medicines projects, clinical governance and medicines management programs.

Fundamental to the success of SHPA is the culture of cooperation and contribution that is reflected in the high level of membership involvement. A core value held by SHPA is the recognition of the commitment of the many volunteers throughout our membership whose efforts are noteworthy in so many national and branch level SHPA activities and member services.

Download the SHPA Member Benefits brochure to find out more.

Constitution of The Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia - November 2005.
SHPA Code of Ethics - February 2006

SHPA Annual Report

SHPA Awards