People across NSW will soon be able to get treatment for more everyday health conditions at their local pharmacy, making it easier to access care without having to wait for a GP appointment.
Under a new trial announced by the NSW Government, eligible pharmacists will be able to treat ear infections and wounds, and help patients manage chronic conditions including high blood pressure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
At the same time, up to 250 additional pharmacists across NSW will become qualified to provide more extensive treatment for nausea and vomiting, reflux, rhinitis, musculoskeletal pain and acne, as well as initiate the oral contraceptive pill.
The changes are intended to give more people access to treatment for common conditions closer to home, while freeing up GP appointments for patients with more complex health needs.
The expansion builds on pharmacy reforms already introduced in NSW, with around 40,000 patients accessing treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections through community pharmacies and more than 2,000 women receiving a resupply of the oral contraceptive pill.
More Conditions, Closer to Home
Eligible pharmacists will be invited to take part in a new trial enabling them to provide care for ear infections and wounds, and help manage some chronic conditions.
The trial will give patients another option to access care in their community, with safeguards to be put in place to maintain the safety and quality of care.
It is also intended to take pressure off GPs by allowing appropriately trained pharmacists to provide more minor and routine care.
More Pharmacists, Providing More Care
Up to 250 more pharmacists will be able to treat the following conditions in the coming months:
- Acute nausea and vomiting;
- Allergic and non-allergic rhinitis;
- Gastro-oesophageal reflux and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease;
- Mild acute musculoskeletal pain;
- Mild to moderate acne; and
- Initiation of oral contraception.
This will be achieved by allowing pharmacists who graduate with an appropriate qualification from the University of Newcastle or the University of Technology Sydney later in 2026 to align their scope of practice with pharmacists who hold a similar graduate certificate from James Cook University.
These additional services will therefore be expanded progressively as eligible pharmacists complete the required qualifications, rather than becoming available from all NSW pharmacies immediately.
Easier Access to More Vaccinations
From 2027, pharmacists will also be able to administer a broader range of National Immunisation Program vaccines, including to children under five, giving families another option to keep vaccinations up to date.
The measure is targeted at situations where families may need access to vaccination quickly, including before travel or during outbreaks of diseases such as measles.
NSW pharmacists can already provide influenza vaccination to children from two years of age. The new reform will broaden access beyond the existing arrangements.
While families will have an additional avenue to have their child vaccinated, regular GP visits will remain an important part of childhood healthcare, including monitoring growth and development and discussing broader health and wellbeing.
Children who require catch-up vaccinations and people with complex medical conditions will not be eligible to receive these expanded vaccinations through a pharmacist.
Previous Reforms
The new reforms are in addition to other health conditions that can already be managed by appropriately trained pharmacists in NSW, including:
- uncomplicated urinary tract infections;
- resupply of hormonal contraception; and
- minor skin conditions including eczema, shingles, impetigo and psoriasis.
Specific eligibility criteria apply to each condition to ensure patients receive appropriate care.
Pharmacies providing these expanded-scope services can choose to charge a consultation fee, which is separate from the cost of any medicines supplied.
The latest expansion builds on other NSW Government initiatives aimed at improving access to care, including:
- investing in virtual and urgent care services;
- supporting geriatric outreach and Hospital in the Home;
- expanding the scope of practice for pharmacists to treat uncomplicated skin conditions and UTIs, and resupply and prescribe contraception; and
- expanding the scope of practice for GPs to diagnose and treat ADHD.
Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:
“For most people, their local pharmacy is one of the easiest parts of the health system to access, and we’re making better use of the skills and training pharmacists already have.
“This year close to 250 additional pharmacists across the state will be qualified to treat conditions in the community, making healthcare even more accessible.
“We’re also trialling the further expansion of scope to include ear infections, wound care and the management of chronic conditions.”
Minister for Health Ryan Park said:
“We are making it easier and more convenient for people to access the care they need.
“Pharmacies are an important point of care for members of the community and these reforms will ensure they can deliver more health services for people.
“By increasing the number of pharmacists who can use the expanded scope of practice, we are ensuring more communities around NSW can access this care.”
Be the first to comment