Pharmacy Daily | Pharmacy testing concerns flagged

QUEENSLANDERS with COVID-19-like symptoms are being urged to avoid community pharmacies, despite the State Government announcing a pharmacy-based testing trial.

Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) Queensland Branch President, Shane MacDonald, said the trial was designed to pick up patients who have come into the pharmacy that the pharmacist believes should be tested.

"We don't want people with COVID-19 symptoms specifically coming into the pharmacy just to get tested," he said.

"We ask people with these symptoms to get tested at one of the many designated testing stations.

"Pharmacies are health centres where people with chronic health conditions regularly visit, so we don't want to be exposing these at-risk groups or the pharmacy workforce to COVID-19 unnecessarily."

The PSA has also previously raised concerns about the availability of personal protective equipment (PPE) for pharmacy staff.

Royal Australia College of General Practitioners (RACGP) Queensland Chair, Dr Bruce Willett, welcomed the Government's decision to boost the State's testing capacity, but stressed the safety of patients and the community need to be the top priority.

"Testing sites need considerable infection control procedures in place, including the correct use of PPE and environmental cleaning," he said.

"Doctors and nurses are experienced in the use of PPE which requires training and is not a simple task.

"There are genuine concerns about whether retail pharmacists could meet these requirements and ensure the safety of patients coming in for COVID-19 tests, the safety of their other customers, and pharmacy staff.

"We seek reassurance from the state government that the pharmacists involved in this trial will meet the necessary safety standards and receive the necessary training, and can provide a safe environment for any patients coming in for tests, as well as customers and staff," Willett said.