As one of Australia’s most trusted professions, community pharmacists are on the front line of supporting families to get the health care they need, from providing medicine and services to sharing advice and resources.
Australians visit their local pharmacies more than 443 million times annually, across more than 6,000 locations nationwide. More than 2,100 are open after hours or on weekends, offering convenient and accessible care, close to home.
With more and more women presenting to emergency departments after being unable to see a GP, the potential for community pharmacy to provide immediate and preventative care is growing. In 2023, 23% of surveyed women reported going to emergency when a GP was unavailable, a 6% rise on the previous year.
“Maternal and child health can be unpredictable, but whether you’re experiencing your first pregnancy or raising your third child, knowing you’ve got professional care on-call can make all the difference,” Pharmacy Guild National President Professor Trent Twomey said.
“We’re lucky in Australia to have so many pharmacists offering more services than ever before. Common issues like uncomplicated UTIs and swimmer’s ear are now just a pharmacy trip away from treatment, saving time and money for busy families.”
Daile Kelleher, CEO of the Family Planning Alliance Australia, emphasised the importance of making reproductive healthcare more accessible. “Across the world, women, girls and other priority populations experience restricted or no access to information and services about their reproductive health and rights.”
“Family Planning Alliance Australia welcomes any movement to provide healthcare to people closer to their homes and community, and offer real choice in their treatments.”
To find pharmacy services close to you, visit Find a Pharmacy.
*Insightfully Full Scope of Practice Research - Track 4 November 2024