TASMANIAN Health Minister Guy Barnett announced yesterday that pharmacists in the state will soon be able to prescribe medicines for aged care patients, under a new pilot program, following the release of recommendations from the Review of Tasmanian Pharmacists' Scope of Practice, which have been accepted by the state gov't in full.
Barnett also revealed that patients will soon be able to access treatment for urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) Tasmanian President David Peachey said the move demonstrated a commitment to improving accessible care for Tasmanians.
"It's clear that we need to do more for our older Australians living in residential aged care.
"Allowing pharmacists to write repeat prescriptions or change the dose of an existing drug will free up hundreds of GP hours for complex and emerging needs," Peachey said.
"Pharmacists in many parts of Australia are already initiating treatment for uncomplicated UTIs, supporting safe, timely access to care for many patients," he added.
With the release of the Review of Tasmanian Pharmacists' Scope of Practice report, Tas Guild branch President Helen O'Byrne is also "optimistic" that it will pave the way to deliver increased healthcare services and to move pharmacists to work to full scope.
"As a healthcare professional it is upsetting to have a patient present in the pharmacy, with a common condition, and not be able to offer first-line recognised treatment, immediately," O'Byrne explained
"Based on the uptake of services in Qld, we estimate that over 1,000 Tasmanian women will benefit from timely treatment of UTIs in 2024 if this change is implemented."
"We also believe that expanding the scope of vaccinations that can be delivered through Tasmanian community pharmacies makes sense, ensuring people can remain up to date on a range of vaccines.
"The Commonwealth Government has now given community pharmacies access to the National Immunisation Program vaccine stock, which means that eligible people can visit their local community pharmacy and receive the free vaccines covered under this program."
O'Byrne noted that there are other services currently restricted to GPs which could be offered via community pharmacy to increase access and uptake by the people who would most benefit, such as the older Australians who prefer face-to-face services.
Though she did comment that like all healthcare services, "there has to be consideration of how such services are funded, which could include a mix of private, state and Commonwealth funding".
"However people ending up in hospital is undeniably the most expensive of all," she added. JG
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