As of 1 July, Queenslanders now have permanent access to a broader range of health services for everyday conditions through participating community pharmacies, making it easier for them to receive timely care close to home.
Branch President of The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Queensland, Chris Owen, said participating community pharmacies are now permanently equipped and authorised to manage and treat a variety of common health conditions.
"These services are delivered by trained pharmacists, offering timely, convenient, and accessible care without the need for a GP appointment or hospital visit," said Mr Owen.
“In particular, I’d like to thank the Crisafulli Government and Minister Nicholls for delivering on the commitment to make these conditions permanent. By allowing community pharmacists to work to a fuller scope Queensland patients will have more choice as to where they can access health care services,” Mr Owen said.
"Community pharmacists can help manage and treat everyday conditions including skin issues like acne and atopic dermatitis, common infections including school sores and ear infections, and symptoms like reflux, hay fever and acute nausea and vomiting."
Mr Owen also said pharmacists are trained and available to offer expert advice and treatment for hormonal contraception, travel health, shingles and reflux.
The complete list of services now permanently available through trained community pharmacies includes:
• Acute exacerbations of mild plaque psoriasis
• Minor wound management
• Acute nausea and vomiting
• Acute otitis externa (ear infection)
• Acute otitis media (ear infection)
• Allergic and nonallergic rhinitis (hay fever)
• Gastro-oesophageal reflux and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (reflux)
• Herpes zoster (shingles)
• Hormonal contraception
• Impetigo (school sores)
• Management for overweight and obesity
• Mild to moderate acne
• Mild to moderate atopic dermatitis
• Mild acute musculoskeletal pain
• Smoking cessation
• Travel health
• Oral health risk assessment and fluoride application
"With the permanency of these services confirmed, more community pharmacists are expected to undertake the additional training required to provide them. This training builds on the years of university education and professional experience already required to practise as a community pharmacist," said Mr Owen.
"The continuation of these services marks an important shift in how primary health care is delivered in Queensland, making better use of pharmacists' clinical skills and improving patient access to frontline care."
Mr Owen added that making these services available through community pharmacy gives Queenslanders greater choice as to where and when they accessed health services.
"Most Australians live within 2.5 kilometres of a community pharmacy, many of which are open after hours or on weekends. With community pharmacists now able to manage and treat these every day and chronic conditions, patients can access faster, more convenient everyday care," said Mr Owen.
"This also frees up GPs for more complex care cases and helps relieve the pressure on hospital emergency departments – leading to better outcomes for patients, improved access to care, and a more sustainable health care system for all Queenslanders."
Patients are encouraged to visit the Find a Pharmacy website to find out more and discover what services their local