As we enter 2025, the Pharmacy Guild of Australia is committed to ensuring that patient care remains at the heart of everything we do. Across the country, we are advocating for community pharmacists to work to their full scope of practice, unlocking the potential for improved health outcomes, greater affordability and convenience, and enhanced accessibility for Australian patients.
In South Australia, two new initiatives are increasing access, affordability and convenience for patients in the state. The Nurse Practitioner Primary Care Pilot is one such example, with highly skilled nurse practitioners now diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions in GP clinics across metropolitan Adelaide. This $2.6 million, two-year pilot program, delivered in partnership with the Adelaide Primary Health Network, has already seen over 1,450 patients receive free, high-quality care, reducing pressure on emergency departments and providing timely access to prescriptions, referrals, and other essential health services.
In addition, South Australia is expanding its 24/7 pharmacy network, further enhancing accessibility for patients. Eligible community pharmacies in Hallett Cove, Sheidow Park, and Trott Park have been invited to tender for the state’s fourth 24/7 pharmacy. This builds on the success of three existing 24/7 pharmacies in northern, southern, and central Adelaide, which have collectively served more than 170,000 people and dispensed over 69,000 scripts during extended hours since their launch in early 2023. Feedback shows that around 20% of customers visiting these pharmacies would have otherwise gone to an emergency department, highlighting the critical role they play in easing hospital demand.
The Guild’s advocacy for pharmacists to practice to their full scope complements these developments. South Australian pharmacists are already providing important services such as treating uncomplicated urinary tract infections and resupplying oral contraceptives, with more than 6,200 consultations for UTI symptoms resulting in a 21% reduction in hospital presentations for UTIs in metropolitan areas. Work is also underway to allow pharmacists to treat a broader range of minor conditions, from ear infections to gastrointestinal illnesses, ensuring patients can access fast, flexible healthcare when and where they need it.
Following a significant milestone achieved in late 2024, Australian women across all states and territories can now access treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections at community pharmacies without a prescription.
Looking ahead, 2025 is set to be a transformative year for patient care. With ongoing advocacy and collaboration, we will continue to advocate for Australians to receive the care they need, when and where they need it.
