If you’ve ever had an ear infection or a child with an ear infection, you know how painful they can be. With ears it is a good idea not to muck around and to get the problem fixed as soon as possible, which usually means another trip to the doctor. This is set to change.
Lane Cove residents will soon be able to get treatment for more everyday health conditions at their local pharmacy (including ear infections and more), making it easier to get care without having to wait for a GP appointment.
Under a new trial announced last week by the NSW Labor 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. This change is intended to free up GP appointments for patients who need them most, giving the community another option for care close to home.
At a Glance
- What’s changing: a new NSW Government trial lets eligible pharmacists treat ear infections and wounds, and help manage chronic conditions such as high blood pressure and COPD.
- Wider rollout: up to 250 additional pharmacists statewide will be able to treat nausea, reflux, rhinitis, musculoskeletal pain and acne, and initiate the oral contraceptive pill.
- Vaccinations: from next year, pharmacists can administer National Immunisation Program vaccines, including to children under five.
- Already available: pharmacists can already treat uncomplicated urinary tract infections, resupply hormonal contraception and manage minor skin conditions.
- Cost: pharmacies can choose to charge a consultation fee on top of the cost of any medicines supplied.
More pharmacists, providing more care
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
- Initiation of oral contraception
The trial will give patients another option to get care in their community.
Easier access to more vaccinations
From next year, pharmacists will also be able to administer National Immunisation Program vaccines, including to children under five, giving families another option to keep their vaccinations up to date.
This measure is targeted at situations where families may need access to a vaccination quickly, including before travel or during outbreaks of diseases such as measles.
While families will now have an additional avenue to have their child vaccinated, regular visits to a GP remain a very important part of childhood healthcare. These appointments provide an opportunity for GPs to check a child’s growth and development and discuss the health and wellbeing of the whole family.
Children who need catch-up vaccinations and people with complex medical conditions will not be eligible for these vaccinations through a pharmacist.
What can a pharmacist help with now?
These reforms are in addition to other health conditions which can already be managed by trained pharmacists in NSW, including:
- Uncomplicated urinary tract infections
- Resupply of hormonal contraception
- Minor skin conditions, which include eczema, shingles, impetigo and psoriasis
Specific eligibility criteria are in place for each condition to ensure patients receive safe and appropriate care. Pharmacies providing these services can choose to charge a consultation fee for the service. This consultation fee will be in addition to the cost of any medicines supplied.
Which Lane Cove pharmacy is a current eligible pharmacy?
To find a local pharmacist delivering expanded health services, you can search the Healthdirect Service Finder.
| Pharmacy | Address | Listed services |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Cove Village Pharmacy | Shop 3, 50-54 Burns Bay Road, Lane Cove | Urinary tract infection treatment service |
| Longueville Chemist | 4 Northwood Road, Lane Cove | Urinary tract infection treatment service, oral contraceptive pill resupply service (plus other unlisted offerings) |
| Priceline Pharmacy Lane Cove | Shop MM1, 24-28 The Plaza, Lane Cove Market Square, Lane Cove | Urinary tract infection treatment service, oral contraceptive pill resupply service (plus other offerings, existing patients only) |
| Nick Logan Pharmacist Advice | 96 Hampden Road, Artarmon | Oral contraceptive pill resupply service, skin disorder treatment service |
Medical profession does not support the pharmacy programme
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has warned the NSW Government has once again seemingly prioritised politics over patient safety by expanding its pharmacist prescribing scheme to appease powerful donors.
RACGP NSW&ACT Chair Dr Rebekah Hoffman said better access to healthcare was critical, but could not come at the expense of patient safety. Dr Hoffman described the move as a “reckless gamble,” warning:
“Patients deserve convenience and safety. Diagnosis, follow-up, and continuity aren’t optional extras.”
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