The scope of practice trial in New South Wales has reached a milestone of seeing 12,000 treatments delivered.
Under the trial, patients can access treatment for uncomplicated UTIs and repeat prescriptions of the oral contraceptive pill from their local pharmacist.
Beginning in May 2023 with just 100 pharmacies participating, the trial has expanded to include over 1,000 pharmacies across the state.
The trial is set to expand further in coming weeks to include skin conditions like impetigo, shingles, and dermatitis.
These and other scope of practice reforms are anticipated to deliver a total dollar benefit of $1.6 billion annually to the New South Wales economy in productivity gains and reduced healthcare costs, as patients are able to access the treatment they need without presenting to an emergency department or waiting for a doctors’ appointment.
“Patients need affordable, accessible everyday healthcare,” said the Pharmacy Guild’s NSW Branch President, David Heffernan. “With pharmacists working closer to their full scope of practice, 12,000 patients across the state have accessed treatment at their local community pharmacy, taking pressure off of hospital emergency departments and GPs.”
“Rather than having to wait weeks to see a GP for everyday healthcare, patients across the state have been able to get treatment from their local pharmacy thanks to these reforms.”
