Patients in North Queensland can now access treatment for an additional 17 everyday health conditions and management of five chronic conditions at their participating community pharmacy.
The development is part of the Queensland Community Pharmacy Scope of Practice Pilot (the Pilot) allowing pharmacists, who have completed a further 12-months of university study and practical training, to treat conditions that previously may have required a visit with their general practitioner or presentation to the emergency department.
Chris Owen, The Pharmacy Guild of Australia’s Queensland Branch President says the move is designed “to supplement – not replace – existing primary healthcare services and give patients in Queensland more choices to access the healthcare they need.”
“We also anticipate the Pilot will help alleviate the pressure being felt in hospital emergency departments as patients get greater and more timely access to the health care services they are seeking,” said Mr Owen.
Conditions included in the Pilot include school sores, shingles, mild psoriasis, wound management, swimmer’s ear, travel health and hypertension, among others.
Available services are grouped into three categories: acute health conditions, chronic disease management and wellbeing services. Consultations are available in-person at participating pharmacies and a fee applies.
With 97% of Australians in metropolitan areas living within 2.5km of a community pharmacy, and 83% of regional Australians living within 5km of a community pharmacy, the Pilot paves the way for changes nationally.
Independent research commissioned by The Pharmacy Guild of Australia shows that patients want pharmacists in other parts of the country to follow suit.
One in five Australian adults surveyed find GP wait times unacceptable. There is near universal support for community pharmacists being able to provide more health services, provided they are trained and follow professional standards and guidelines.
To participate in the Pilot, community pharmacists must undertake an additional 12 months of university study and practical training.
Demi Pressley, Chief Pharmacist at Alive Pharmacy Group and prescribing community pharmacist in tropical North Queensland says that while the work required was significant, it was also rewarding and well worth doing.
“I highly recommend it. It was extra work, but I think it was a manageable amount of extra work to do, especially if you chip away at it consistently,” Demi said.
To find a participating pharmacy, visit Find a Pharmacy.
