NSW Health Minister announces full scope in community pharmacy

This reform builds on the success of our state’s UTI and oral contraceptive trial, which has seen over 18,000 treatments delivered since May of last year.

The hard work, clinical excellence, and professionalism of pharmacists across the state has laid the foundation for this transformative reform.

The Guild NSW Branch could not have achieved this outcome without our members and we want to make sure you have all the information you need to navigate the changes to come.

What conditions will pharmacists be able to treat?

Under the plan announced by the Minister last night, appropriately trained pharmacists will be able to treat the acute conditions in the Queensland trial, including:

• Gastro-oesophageal reflux and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease
• Acute nausea and vomiting
• Allergic and nonallergic rhinitis
• Mild to moderate acne
• Acute wound management
• Acute diffuse otitis externa
• Acute otitis media
• Acute mild musculoskeletal pain and inflammation
• Travel health

Treatments under the UTI/OCP and skin conditions trials will continue unchanged in NSW.

There will also be a trial of pharmacist treatment for the following chronic conditions:

• Asthma
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
• Cardiovascular Disease Risk Reduction for type 2 diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidaemia
• Obesity and weight management

This trial will take place in regional New South Wales and will commence in the next 12 months.

Training

The NSW Government has said that community pharmacists who have completed accredited training will be able to deliver these additional services.

The Guild and NSW Health will work with training bodies to develop a learning program which will allow pharmacists to begin treating patients for these conditions by 2026.

In the meantime, from January 2025, pharmacists who have completed the training in Queensland will have their qualifications recognised in NSW.

The Guild NSW Branch will keep you updated as work in this space progresses.