People across NSW will soon be able to get treatment for more everyday health conditions at their local pharmacy, making it easier to get care without having to wait for a GP appointment.
Under a new trial announced by the Minns Labor Government, 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).
At the same time, up to 250 additional pharmacists across NSW will become qualified to provide more extensive treatment for nausea and vomiting, reflux, rhinitis, musculoskeletal pain and acne, as well as initiate the oral contraceptive pill.
It means more people will be able to walk into their local pharmacy and get treatment for common conditions closer to home, while freeing up GP appointments for patients who need them.
The changes build on pharmacy reforms already introduced by the Minns Labor Government, with around 40,000 patients accessing treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections through community pharmacies and more than 2,000 women receiving a resupply of the oral contraceptive pill.
More conditions, closer to home
Eligible pharmacists will be invited to take part in a new trial enabling them to provide care for ear infections and wounds, and help manage some chronic conditions.
The trial will give patients another option to get care in their community. Appropriate safeguards will be put in place to maintain the safety and quality of care.
It will also help take pressure off GPs by allowing pharmacists to provide more minor routine care, freeing up appointments for people with more complex health needs.
More pharmacists, providing more care
250 more pharmacists will be able to treat the following conditions in the coming months:
- Acute nausea and vomiting
- Allergic and non-allergic rhinitis
- Gastro-oesophageal reflux and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease
- Mild acute musculoskeletal pain
- Mild to moderate acne
- Initiation of oral contraception
This will be achieved by allowing pharmacists who graduate with an appropriate qualification from the University of Newcastle or the University of Technology Sydney later this year, to align their scope of practice with pharmacists who hold a similar graduate certificate from James Cook University.
Easier access to more vaccinations
From next year, pharmacists will also be able to administer National Immunisation Program vaccines, including to children under five, giving families another option to keep their vaccinations up to date.
This measure is targeted at situations where families may need access to a vaccination quickly, including before travel or during outbreaks of diseases such as measles.
While families will now have an additional avenue to have their child vaccinated, regular visits to a GP remain a very important part of childhood healthcare. These appointments provide an opportunity for GPs to check a child's growth and development and discuss the health and wellbeing of the whole family.
Children who need catch-up vaccinations and people with complex medical conditions will not be eligible for these vaccinations through a pharmacist.
Previous reforms
These reforms are in addition to other health conditions which can already be managed by trained pharmacists in NSW, including:
- uncomplicated urinary tract infections
- resupply of hormonal contraception
- minor skin conditions which include eczema, shingles, impetigo and psoriasis.
Specific eligibility criteria are in place for each condition to ensure patients receive safe and appropriate care.
Pharmacies providing these services can choose to charge a consultation fee for the service. This consultation fee will be in addition to the cost of any medicines supplied.
This latest expansion builds on the work the Minns Labor Government has already done to improve access to care for people in NSW, including:
- Investing in virtual and urgent care services
- Supporting geriatric outreach and Hospital in the Home
- Expanding scope of practice for pharmacists to treat uncomplicated skin conditions and UTIs, and resupply and prescribe the contraceptive pill
- Expanding scope of practice for GPs to diagnose and treat ADHD
To find a local pharmacist delivering expanded health services, you can search the healthdirect Service Finder.
Quotes attributable to Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns:
"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."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Ryan Park:
"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."
