ALMOST 1,500 people have received pharmacist care for common skin conditions as part of the NSW Pharmacy Dermatology Trial, the Minister for Health Ryan Park announced.
The trial allows appropriately trained pharmacists to manage common minor skin conditions, including impetigo (school sores), shingles, mild to moderate eczema and acute mild plaque psoriasis.
Over 480 pharmacies across the state are currently participating in the trial, which commenced 19 Jul last year.
Building on trials which have enabled authorised pharmacists to undertake consultations for urinary tract infections (UTI) and the resupply of the oral contraceptive pill (OCP), the initiative has given thousands of people the option of conveniently obtaining a prescription through their local pharmacist, the Minister said.
It has also relieved pressure on general practitioners, "freeing up GP appointments for people who need them the most".
"Imagine, instead of struggling to find a GP appointment to receive a script for a minor skin condition, you could just pop down to your local pharmacy, and receive the care you need, when you need it," Park said.
"I am so pleased more than 1,400 people across NSW have been able to access more convenient, timely support for common mild skin conditions thanks to this trial.
"The NSW Government is committed to supporting innovative initiatives like this one that are helping improve access to primary care services."
Authorised pharmacists in NSW have been able to offer the UTI service as part of usual business since Jun 2024, and the resupply of OCP since Sep.
"With over 480 participating pharmacies, the initiative offers convenient prescription access, easing the burden on GPs and reserving their appointments for more critical cases," said Catherine Bronger, Senior Vice of President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, NSW Branch.
"This approach benefits both the community and its residents by making treatment more accessible and efficient.
"The Pharmacy Guild of Australia is proud and honoured to be part of this critical initiative, supporting and evolving the NSW healthcare landscape," Bronger said. KB
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