Queenslanders are increasingly turning to their trusted community pharmacy for timely access to a wide range of everyday health services, as well as support and treatment for acute and chronic long-term conditions. With no need for a GP appointment or a visit to the emergency department, community pharmacies are making it easier than ever for patients to receive timely access to care close to where they live, work or play.
Chris Owen, Branch President of The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Queensland, said it is encouraging to see so many patients visiting their community pharmacies and taking full advantage of the expanded services now available.
"It's great to see so many Queenslanders accessing care and advice for everyday conditions, preventive health checks, and long-term health condition support all in one trusted location," Mr Owen said.
"Recent figures highlight just how many Queenslanders are already choosing community pharmacies for their health care needs. Between 1 September 2023 and today, more than 30,600 urinary tract infection services have been delivered across more than 930 pharmacies."
Over the past 12 months alone, Queensland pharmacies have delivered over three-quarters of a million vaccinations at more than 900 pharmacies, including:
- 469,230 influenza vaccinations
- 188,752 COVID-19 vaccinations
- 22,044 shingles vaccinations
Mr Owen also said, "community pharmacists are now trained to help with a wide range of everyday conditions such as ear infections, school sores, reflux, hay fever, and are playing an increasingly vital role in the management of long-term conditions."
The complete list of services available through trained community pharmacies includes:
- Cardiovascular disease risk reduction
- Blood pressure
- Cholesterol
- High blood sugar
- Asthma
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Acute exacerbations of mild plaque psoriasis
- Minor wound management
- Acute nausea and vomiting
- Acute otitis externa (ear infection)
- Acute otitis media (ear infection)
- Allergic and nonallergic rhinitis (hay fever)
- Gastro-oesophageal reflux and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (reflux)
- Herpes zoster (shingles)
- Hormonal contraception
- Impetigo (school sores)
- Management for overweight and obesity
- Mild to moderate acne
- Mild to moderate atopic dermatitis
- Mild acute musculoskeletal pain
- Smoking cessation
- Travel health
- Oral health risk assessment and fluoride application
- Vaccinations
- Urinary tract infections
"Community pharmacists are already making a significant difference in the lives of patients living with acute and long-term health conditions, delivering thousands of services that improve access to care and support healthier Queenslanders."
"This demonstrates patient demand and the community pharmacist's readiness to provide more accessible healthcare. The services highlight the important role pharmacists can play in relieving the pressure on GPs and hospitals, while ensuring timely access to care," said Mr. Owen.
"Most Australians live within 2.5 kilometres of a community pharmacy, many of which are open after hours or on weekends."
"With community pharmacists now able to manage and treat everyday, acute and long-term health conditions, patients can access faster, more convenient care, while GPs and hospitals are freed up to focus on more complex cases. This leads to better outcomes for patients, improved access to care, and a more sustainable healthcare system for all Queenslanders," Mr Owen said.
To find out what services your local community pharmacy offers or to book a consultation, visit https://findapharmacy.com.au/qld-scope.
