The Tasmanian Government has invested $5 million to expand pharmacist scope of practice — including a national-first pilot in aged care — a move that has been welcomed by key pharmacy industry bodies.
Announced by Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing Roger Jaensch, the funding forms part of the 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future.
The investment includes subsidised training for qualified pharmacists to treat a range of acute and chronic conditions, such as ear infections, reflux, skin conditions such as shingles and eczema, rhinitis and wound care.
It also includes includes a nation-first pilot allowing pharmacists to prescribe medicines in aged care settings.
The expanded services are expected to become available next year, as community pharmacists complete the required training.
‘A game changer’
“This is a game-changer for aged care,” says Advanced Pharmacy Australia (AdPha) President Tom Simpson FANCZAP (Lead&Mgmt).
“Pharmacist-led collaborative prescribing has been pioneered in hospitals by AdPham members for over a decade — now we’re seeing that model extended to where it’s urgently needed and where pharmacists work in new and emerging specialty roles.”
Mr Simpson commended the government for advancing recommendations from its Pharmacist Scope of Practice Review Final Report, which recommends extending collaborative prescribing to aged care and general practice.
“It’s fantastic to see the state leading again by expanding pharmacist co-prescribing into aged care — one of the most complex and underserved areas of healthcare,” he says.
“This is a smart, strategic investment that will deliver better outcomes for older Tasmanians.”
‘Better access to health services’
Also welcoming the Tasmanian Government’s announcement, Pharmacy Guild Tasmanian Branch President, Joe O’Malley says this investment “will mean better access to health services”.
“This commitment will be a game changer for Tasmanian patients and Tasmanian pharmacists,” he says.
“It will mean better access to health services for Tasmanians in the future, who will be able to get more care when they need it, closer to where they live, from their local community pharmacists.
“Community pharmacists play a key role in holistic patient care, working in partnership with other medical professionals.
“This includes at local aged care facilities where community pharmacists offer invaluable support.
“We are looking forward to working with the government to expand this work.”
‘The move marks significant progress’
Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) Tasmania President Joanne Gross MPS CredPharm (MMR) says the move marks significant progress in realising the full potential of pharmacists to support timely access to essential health care in Tasmania’s health system.
“Our health system is under immense pressure and […] all health professionals need to practice to their full ability in order for care to be available when it’s most needed,” she says.
“The training pharmacists undertake is evidence-based and comprehensive, facilitating consistent and clinically appropriate care regardless of whether a patient seeks it from a pharmacist or another health care provider.
“As pharmacists we’re proud to be able to provide timely, high-quality care to patients, and to work collaboratively with our medical and nursing colleagues to relieve pressure on our health system.”
