“This important decision by the Minns Government and NSW Health Minister Ryan Park, will ensure patients are able to access the treatment and support they need without costly referrals or long waits. This is a real win for patients” Professor Trent Twomey, National President Pharmacy Guild of Australia said.
“Expanding the services offered by GPs, once they have undertaken additional training, will lead to better health outcomes and more effective services.
“We have seen how successful this approach has been in community pharmacy and it’s pleasing to see other healthcare providers being able to expand the range of services offered.
“After the Cormack Scope of Practice review recommendations, all health practitioners should work to the full extent of their skills, ability and training. This will stop old and outdated systems blocking patients’ care where and when they need it most. A truly patient directed health system relies on all practitioners – including GPs, pharmacists and nurses being empowered.
“The NSW Government clearly believes in the potential of all health practitioners. This is good news for patients.”
Many community pharmacists are already undertaking additional training to treat a range of everyday acute and chronic health conditions. In Queensland, Northern Territory, New South Wales and Victoria, patients already benefit from this commonsense approach to accessible healthcare.
Community pharmacists across every jurisdiction are also able to diagnose and treat uncomplicated UTIs and will soon be able to offer more health services for women. Expanding the role of community pharmacists to treat everyday health conditions will reduce preventable hospitalisations, ensuring that patients can get accessible convenient care when they need it.
“We know that early access to medication can make a huge difference for young children especially. The TGA needs to take action to tackle the ADHD medication shortage which has been ongoing for too long – and expected to continue until the end of the year.”