TASMANIA'S upcoming review of pharmacists' scope of practice will provide an important opportunity for authorities to improve access to healthcare across the State, Pharmacy Guild of Australia Tasmanian Branch President, Helen O'Byrne, believes.
"The review of pharmacists' scope of practice in Tasmania must recognise the recent announcements from the Queensland and NSW governments, committing to a trial where appropriately trained pharmacists will be able to diagnose, prescribe, treat and manage a range of acute and chronic conditions," O'Byrne said.
"The Queensland and NSW governments have shown that they understand that pharmacists are a valuable healthcare resource which is currently underutilised in this country, particularly given the extreme GP shortage in regional and remote areas."
O'Byrne acknowledged that pharmacists would need to undertake "significant post graduate qualifications" and work within set protocols before being able to offer such services.
"Initially not all pharmacists and pharmacies may offer the extra services as it will be mandatory to undertake significant additional education required by relevant State authorities, with additional changes to pharmacy environments required to meet clinical and patient expectations," she said.
"However we expect that over time all pharmacists will develop their full scope skills, with universities meeting the needs of future students in expanded undergraduate courses."
O'Byrne's comments came after Tasmanian Premier, Jeremy Rockliff, told delegates at the Tasmanian Pharmacy Conference dinner last weekend, that the review would be key to shaping the future delivery of healthcare services to ensure positive outcomes for all Tasmanians regardless of where they live.
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