Recognising the important role of community pharmacists in mental healthcare, the NSW Government has announced the allocation of new funding to train pharmacists working in regional areas, with customers mental health issues.
The allocation of funds to mental health training is move welcome by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) and the Pharmacy Guild of Australia.
Congratulating the NSW Government and Deputy Premier John Barilaro for the decision, the President of the NSW Branch of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, David Heffernan said: “It is great to have this kind of support for the role that pharmacists play in their communities, particularly in rural and regional areas where access to other healthcare professionals may not be available.”
Member for Port Macquarie, Leslie Williams MP added: “With this additional training, they will be able to provide much needed mental health support to their communities, providing genuine support for people who need it, easing the burden on frontline services.”
Ms Williams points out that regional areas are particularly vulnerable to mental health issues at present due to the drought; making the funding for extra mental health training needed now more than ever.
Pleased to see that collaborative efforts involving the Pharmacy Guild of Australia and the PSA have resulted in efforts supporting pharmacists to improve mental health, PSA NSW President Professor Peter Carroll said: “Pharmacists are trusted are trusted and accessible health professionals, often coming in contact with consumers with mental health issues.”
“For the majority of people with lived experience of mental health issues, treatment is best provided in the community,” he underlined.
