A WIDER range of primary health services will soon be available from community pharmacists in South Australia under an expanded scope of practice set to take effect.
Unveiled yesterday by South Australian Health Minister, Chris Picton, qualified pharmacists will be able to assess and treat a range of ailments and conditions to free up space at local GPs.
These include skin conditions such as shingles, psoriasis, dermatitis, school sores and acne; ear infections; wound management; nausea and vomiting; gastro-oesophageal reflux; musculoskeletal pain; rhinitis; plus various muscle and joint pain ailments.
"We are making it easier for South Australians to access the healthcare they need, when they need it at a convenient location," Minister Picton said in his announcement.
The Malinauskas Government program, which may start as early as 2026, will require pharmacists to undertake additional university training in order to provide the services, designed to ease pressure on the state health system and emergency rooms.
The Office of the Chief Pharmacist will work with local universities to develop suitable courses for specific training as well as prescribing and clinical assessment training.
Announced on World Pharmacists Day yesterday, the move was welcomed by the Pharmacy Guild of Australia and the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA).
Guild's South Australian branch President, Nick Panayiaris, said the change brings South Australia into line with other states and territories, where pharmacists are increasingly offering more services to patients.
"It just makes sense for community pharmacists, as highly qualified health professionals, to work to their full scope of practice," Panayiaris said.
PSA South Australia and Northern Territory President, Dr Manya Angley FPS, said the program follows the successful rollout of other pharmacy programs allowing South Australian women to access medication for conditions such as UTIs and oral contraceptives.
"Our profession is continually evolving to better meet the increasingly complex health needs of Australians, our ageing population and overstretched health system," Dr Angley said.
The Guild added the program turns South Australia's 500-plus pharmacies into primary healthcare destinations for acute conditions, while the PSA reaffirmed its commitment to supporting high quality education for pharmacists as their scope expands. ML
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