The NSW Government has announced a major health system reform, with NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet saying the proposed reforms aim to relieve the pressure on emergency departments and wait times to see a GP by expanding pharmacy scope of practice in NSW.
The landmark reform will expand the number of vaccinations pharmacists can administer, trial pharmacists prescribing medication for urinary tract infections (UTIs) and also develop a pilot for trained pharmacists to prescribe medications for a range of conditions.
Speaking at a press conference on the weekend, Mr Perrottet said pharmacists in NSW will have a “greater opportunity to be involved in primary healthcare”.
“We know that there’s pressure on the health system across the board and we want to make sure whether you’re in metropolitan Sydney or regional NSW that you have access to the best healthcare when and where you need it,” he said.
“Pharmacists can do more. They have the expertise and experience to do that and today we expand their role.”
Mr Perrottet said this reform “will make a real difference”.
“We need a modern health system for a modern society, and that’s exactly what this reform will achieve,” he said.
“We need reform. We need to do things better. And this is the NSW Government taking the lead to provide the best healthcare possible for people right across NSW.
“These changes will make it easier for people [especially people in regional NSW] to get the healthcare they need for them and their families.
“This is a major reform.”
The NSW Government will increase the community’s access to primary care through:
- 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 UTIs; 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.
The UTI trial is in step with pharmacist reforms being implemented in Queensland and would be open to pharmacists in NSW who undertook appropriate additional training, says Health Minister Brad Hazzard.
“While some in the primary care sector have firm views on the role of pharmacists, their positive contribution to the management of the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated that they are able to deliver more for their communities,” Mr Hazzard said.
“NSW Health will work with the pharmacy sector, and its regulators, to inform training to ensure we maintain high safety standards, while also providing the community with more convenience.
“Patients will be kept safe, but they’ll also get speedy results,” he said.
Minister for Women, Regional Health and Mental Health Bronnie Taylor says these reforms will be transformational for healthcare in the regions, particularly for women.
“Pharmacies are part of the fabric of our regional communities and empowering our trusted pharmacists to work their full scope of practice will be a game-changer for so many,” Ms Taylor said.
“The NSW Government has heard loud and clear that the process of getting a script for things like a urinary tract infection or birth control must be made easier. This reform delivers on that as well as eases the burden on our GPs.”
NSW Health will work with pharmacists to support the expansion of the vaccination program with education modules and materials for both themselves and their customers.
An expression of interest process for participation in the UTI trial is expected to commence on 14 November 2022.
