Pharmacy Pilot program to look at reforms to expand community health care
- The Beagle
- Nov 14, 2022
- 1 min read
NSW Health will be introducing a landmark reform that is intended to expand the number of vaccinations pharmacists can administer, trial pharmacists prescribing medication for urinary tract infections and also develop a pilot for trained pharmacists to prescribe medications for a range of other conditions. While the reform will take some time to put in place the aim is to relieve pressure on emergency departments and wait times to see a GP, by giving the community more access to primary care services. The reforms intended are:
Authorising pharmacists to administer a wider range of public health and travel vaccinations from 14 November 2022, including Japanese Encephalitis, Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B, Poliomyelitis, Typhoid and Zoster.
Funding a 12-month trial to evaluate allowing pharmacists to prescribe medication for urinary tract infections; and
Supporting a state wide pilot where appropriately trained pharmacists can prescribe medications for certain conditions, such as skin ailments, ear infections, and hormonal contraception.
There are several hurdles to overcome and a need to apply a measurability of benefit with the reforms. While NSW has a doctor shortage it also has a pharmacist shortage. Reading between the lines of the reform it is clear that pharmacists will need to undertake additional training hours (over 100 additional hours has been mentioned). What isn't mentioned is that the pharmacists will need to charge a script fee for any prescribed medications as well as a consultation fee.
NSW pharmacists are currently able to administer six vaccines, including COVID-19 and influenza vaccines.
An expression of interest process for participation in the urinary tract infection trial will commence on 14 November 2022.
