TASMANIANS can now access health support outside regular community pharmacy opening hours through a State Government-funded help line.
The Tasmanian Afterhours Advice Line, which has been launched by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA), will connect patients with a pharmacist between the hours of 6pm and midnight, seven days a week.
PSA Tasmanian Branch President, David Peachey, said the service, which will initially be trialled over an eight-month period, will improve access to essential healthcare support.
"We're proud to bring the Pharmacist Advice Line to Tasmania as part of our ongoing commitment to supporting the health of our communities," he said.
"Pharmacists are medicine safety experts, and play a significant role in the day-to-day management of medicines too.
"Tasmanians can now call us when most local pharmacies are closed and get the same expert advice on dosages, medicine safety, [and] drug interactions.
"When Tasmanians call the pharmacist advice line with minor ailments we can also act as a triage point, giving them advice on whether to go to their pharmacist, GP, or hospital for treatment.
"We see after hours patients with minor ailments go straight to the emergency department because there is often no other option.
"It doesn't have to be this way, pharmacists have the skills and experience to help in many of these cases.
"We want to play our part in reducing pressure on the rest of the health system, so that healthcare remains accessible for everyone.
"PSA is proud to be working with the Tasmanian Government to ensure that healthcare is accessible to all patients when they need it.
"We sincerely thank Premier and Health Minister Jeremy Rockliff for his ongoing support for Tasmania's pharmacists."
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 13 Oct 22
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