Pharmacy Daily | Another rural doc shortage

A regional NSW politician has declared a "crisis" due to a shortage of doctors working in district hospitals across the state which was threatening the health and safety of rural and regional residents.

Dr Joe McGirr, member for Wagga Wagga, spoke of the issues in Parliament earlier this week, saying there had been a reported loss of 50 doctors over the last six months in the Riverina area alone.

"Patients with chronic health conditions are even questioning whether they can remain in their homes or whether they should uproot and move from their communities," he said.

While McGirr's warning centred on hospital medical staff, the alert also comes amid warnings from the Pharmacy Guild of Australia (PD yesterday) highlighting changes to the country's working visas, which are likely to further exacerbate doctor workforce shortages.

"The need for pharmacists to work closer with GPs to relieve the burden is more apparent now than it has ever been," the Guild said.

Guild National President, George Tambasssis said the issue highlighted the importance of collaboration with doctors.

"Worsening doctor shortages are only going to leave patients worse off...allowing pharmacists to work more closely with GPs will free up doctors to spend more time with their patients and treating complex issues," he said.

"Particularly in regional and outer suburban areas, which will be worst affected by growing doctor shortages, it makes sense to allow pharmacists to offer more health services to meet the needs of their communities," Tambassis added.

He noted that Australia had fallen behind the UK and Canada, where pharmacists are allowed to practise at their full scope to prescribe and treat a range of common ailments which had improved access to health services for patients, reduced waiting times and reduced health system costs.

McGirr also cited the changes to immigration processes which have limited overseas-trained doctors' ability to work in some rural areas.

He urged the Government to explore the possible expansion of the current NSW Health hospital workforce to help address gaps in services, saying it was a "critical concern for my electorate".