Pharmacy Daily | Qld govt gives green light for NQPSPP

PHARMACISTS in North Queensland will be authorised to treat patients for a range of health conditions as part of the North Queensland Pharmacy Scope of Practice Pilot (NQPSPP), which will get under way in late 2023 (PD breaking news).

Pharmacy Guild of Australia Queensland Branch President, Chris Owen, welcomed the decision, saying it would help decrease unnecessary emergency department presentations.

Under the NQPSPP participating pharmacists who have undergone an additional 12 months of post-graduate level training, will be able to treat patients for 22 conditions, including gastro-oesphageal reflux, hypertension and Type 2 diabetes.

"The NQPSPP will deliver improved health outcomes for patients in North Queensland and help ease some of the burdens on busy GPs and overcrowded emergency departments.

"Fewer North Queenslanders will need to wait longer than recommended to receive the care they need.

"They will be able to access the right care in the right place at the right time.

"Too many patients do not have access to a GP or have to wait too long to get an appointment.

"Today's announcement means that for everyday health conditions, North Queenslanders will be able to choose to get the care they need from their local community pharmacy."

Owen said the announcement would bring the scope of practice of pharmacists in North Queensland into line with their peers in Canada, the UK and New Zealand.

Clinical Excellence Queensland Deputy Director, Dr Helen Brown, said the pilot was designed to "supplement - not replace - existing services and give consumers in North Queensland greater access to the healthcare they need".

"Pharmacists have always been an integral part of healthcare delivery," she said.

"I am confident in their ability to manage the additional responsibilities, given they are already highly trained and well-regulated health professionals."