IN A speech given last night at the opening of the Pharmacy Connect 2024 conference, NSW Health Minister Ryan Park announced that pharmacists will soon be able to treat several common health conditions under new government changes (PD breaking news).
According to a media statement from NSW Health, the reforms will allow appropriately trained pharmacists to treat acute conditions such as nausea and ear infections as part of permanent practice, as well as wound management, musculoskeletal pain and gastro-oesophageal reflux.
The expanded services may roll out as soon as 2026.
Additionally, the government will launch a pilot program in regional NSW within the next 12 months, where pharmacists will also be able to manage conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
"Whether it's providing 10 million vaccinations during COVID or treating over 18,000 uncomplicated UTIs over the past year, pharmacists have shown that they are able to offer more of the everyday healthcare patients need," said David Heffernan, NSW Branch President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia.
"These changes will mean that patients aren't forced to present to hospital for an ear infection just because their GP can't see them."
Participating pharmacists will be required to complete additional training equivalent to a Graduate Certificate, spanning one year.
The changes are modelled after a similar pilot currently underway in North Queensland.
Pharmacists who completed the Qld pilot training will also be authorised to deliver selected services in NSW from Jan 2026. JG
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