Tasmanians to benefit from expanded pharmacist care

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the Tasmanian Government’s announcement on World Pharmacists Day to expand the role of community pharmacists, enabling them to provide more care to Tasmanians closer to home.

 

Pharmacists who undertake post-graduate training will be able to provide treatment for a broader range of common health conditions, including ear infections, reflux, rhinitis, shingles, eczema, and wound care.

 

From December, appropriately credentialed pharmacists will also be able to initiate and continue hormonal contraception for women.

PSA Tasmanian President Joanne Gross MPS welcomed the announcement as a significant step toward improving access to timely, safe and accessible healthcare across the state.

 

“This is a win for Tasmanians. Expanding the scope of pharmacists means more people will be able to access the care they need, when and where they need it,” Ms Gross said.

 

“Pharmacists are highly trained, trusted health professionals who are ready to do more. With the right training and support, we can help ease the burden on GPs and emergency departments by managing common conditions safely and effectively in the community.

 

“We commend the Tasmanian Government for recognising the value pharmacists bring to the healthcare system and for investing in the workforce through training and scholarships.

 

“This announcement builds on the success of pharmacist-led care for urinary tract infections and oral contraceptive resupply, which have already provided timely and quality care to thousands of patients, improving health outcomes for Tasmanians,” Ms Gross concluded.

 

The PSA looks forward to working closely with the Tasmanian Government to implement the training model and ensure pharmacists are supported to safely deliver these expanded services.

 

Media contact: David Westman  M: 0480 099 798  E: david.westman@psa.org.au

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia is the only national peak body that represents all of Australia’s pharmacists across all practice settings. We want every Australian to have access to the best healthcare, and this must include optimising access to pharmacists’ knowledge and medicines expertise at the forefront of our healthcare system.