Communities across NSW will have greater access to everyday health care as pharmacists are given expanded powers to treat common conditions, reducing the need for some patients to wait for a GP appointment.
Under a new NSW Government trial, eligible pharmacists will be able to treat ear infections and wounds and help patients manage chronic conditions including high blood pressure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
The expansion is expected to particularly benefit communities where accessing a GP can be difficult, giving residents another option to receive routine treatment closer to home.
Up to 250 additional pharmacists across NSW will also become qualified to treat nausea and vomiting, reflux, rhinitis, musculoskeletal pain and acne, as well as initiate oral contraception.
The government says expanding pharmacy services will make treatment more readily available in local communities while freeing up GP appointments for patients with more complex health needs.
Pharmacists graduating with an appropriate qualification from the University of Newcastle or University of Technology Sydney later this year will be able to provide the same expanded services as pharmacists holding a similar graduate certificate from James Cook University.
The reforms build on previous changes that have allowed trained pharmacists to treat uncomplicated urinary tract infections, resupply hormonal contraception and manage minor skin conditions including eczema, shingles, impetigo and psoriasis.
About 40,000 patients have already accessed treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections through community pharmacies, while more than 2,000 women have received a resupply of the oral contraceptive pill.
Access will be expanded further from next year when pharmacists are permitted to administer National Immunisation Program vaccines, including to children aged under five.
The government says the measure will give families another option to keep vaccinations up to date, particularly when immunisation is needed quickly before travel or during outbreaks of diseases such as measles.
Children requiring catch-up vaccinations and people with complex medical conditions will not be eligible to receive those vaccinations through a pharmacist.
Regular GP visits will remain an important part of childhood health care, including monitoring a child’s growth and development.
Specific eligibility requirements will apply to pharmacy services to ensure patients receive appropriate care. Pharmacies will also be able to charge a consultation fee in addition to the cost of medicines supplied.
NSW Premier Chris Minns said the changes would make greater use of pharmacies already operating within communities.
“For most people, their local pharmacy is one of the easiest parts of the health system to access, and we’re making better use of the skills and training pharmacists already have.
“This year close to 250 additional pharmacists across the state will be qualified to treat conditions in the community, making healthcare even more accessible.
“We’re also trialling the further expansion of scope to include ear infections, wound care and the management of chronic conditions.
“It means more options for patients; more care available in local communities and more GP appointments available for people who really need them.”
Health Minister Ryan Park said the reforms would expand access to care across NSW.
“We are making it easier and more convenient for people to access the care they need.
“Pharmacies are an important point of care for members of the community and these reforms will ensure they can deliver more health services for people.
“By increasing the number of pharmacists who can use the expanded scope of practice, we are ensuring more communities around NSW can access this care.”
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