NSW Health Minister Ryan Park (pictured right below) last night confirmed that the profession's scope of practice will be expanded to include minor skin conditions by early Mar.
"Tonight, we announced that we will move to the next stage of the trial, which is the management of skin conditions in NSW, an important component of the scope of practice, and we will launch this in early Mar," he said speaking at the NSW Guild reception at Parliament House in Sydney.
"This phase of the trial is within NSW Health and we will liaise with a strong team that will look at the alternative service models for the component, recognising that pharmacists already provide advice to consumers on mild skin conditions," Park commented.
He added that there is strong support for the Guild, "across the political divide in this place and that comes because its [policy is] evidence-based, well thought through and community orientated, and I and all the members in this Parliament continue to look forward to working with you."
NSW Guild Branch President David Heffernan added the Guild has looked at modelling that allows pharmacy to work with physios and nurses and "it's not about replacing the jobs of anyone but addressing community needs".
Meanwhile, Heffernan acknowledged the significant and current contributions of five life members to the Guild - John Bell, Philip and Janet Wade, Gerard Stevens and Gerard McInerney.
"They all have provided great service to their communities and have contributed greatly to the NSW Health system." JG
Pictured top (L-R): Shadow Regional Minister Bronwyn Taylor, Bell, Park, Wades, Stevens, McInerney and Guild National President Trent Twomey.
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