From October, the state government will expand the role of community pharmacists as part of a new 12 month pilot.
Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas said the government would introduce legislation to allow community pharmacists to provide treatment and advice for common conditions and basic health care needs. Under the pilot pharmacists will be enabled to treat minor skin conditions and reissue oral contraceptives and medication for uncomplicated UTIs.
Modelled on similar schemes in New South Wales and Queensland, participating pharmacist immunisers will also have their scope expanded to administer travel and other public health vaccines.
The design and implementation of the pilot will be guided by expert advisory and clinical groups representing consumers and the pharmacy and medical professions.
The pilot will be evaluated and any recommendations will help inform longer-term decision making around the role of community pharmacists.
“It’s hard enough to see a GP, let alone one that bulk bills and that’s why we’re launching a 12-month pilot to test an expanded role for community pharmacists,” said Ms Thomas
“Our community pharmacists have a wealth of experience and knowledge – they can recognise when there’s a simple solution and when things need to be escalated to a doctor.”
