Say goodbye to GP appointments: See how pharmacies are changing healthcare consultations
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Navigating the healthcare system could feel like a maze at times, especially when dealing with minor ailments.
For our members who have experienced the frustration of securing a GP visit for a mild skin condition, there's some promising news on the horizon that could make your life easier.
In a move that could revolutionise healthcare, hundreds of pharmacies across New South Wales may now treat a range of mild skin conditions.
This massive change could mean that you can skip the GP visit and head straight to your local chemist.
The initiative should not be for convenience's sake but should also help alleviate the strain on GPs.
Allowing local pharmacies to tend to mild skin concerns should also let GPs focus more on pressing medical needs.
The NSW Pharmacy Dermatology Trial has been running for six months.
The trial allowed pharmacists to receive appropriate training to manage conditions such as impetigo (school sores), shingles, mild to moderate eczema, and acute mild plaque psoriasis.
This is an extension of the services some pharmacists already provide, such as consultations for urinary tract infections (UTIs) and resupplying oral contraceptive pills (OCP).
Over 480 pharmacies took part in this trial, and almost 1,500 people had already received their prescriptions directly from pharmacists.
The best part of this program is that the consultations in NSW pharmacies are free.
Patients should only pay for the prescribed medication.
Meanwhile, similar services in the ACT could charge patients for a pharmacy consultation.
According to the Pharmacy Guild of Australia's NSW branch's Catherine Bronger, this initiative should be a critical step in supporting and evolving the healthcare landscape in NSW.
It is a testament to the NSW Government's commitment to managing the supply and accessibility of GPs and relieving pressure on primary care services.
'Imagine, instead of struggling to find a GP appointment to receive a script for a minor skin condition, you could just pop down to your local pharmacy and receive the care you need, when you need it,' NSW Minister for Health Ryan Park stated.
With the trial underway, not all pharmacies or pharmacists could provide this service.
NSW Health provided a list and a map of participating pharmacies here.
Patients may also call their pharmacy ahead of time to check their operating hours or to book a consultation.
Patients should also check if they are eligible for the service.
Infants under six months old and individuals over 65 still need to see a GP should they need treatment for mild to moderate atopic dermatitis (eczema).
Minors under 18 still need a GP for shingles and mild plaque psoriasis treatment.
Lastly, babies under one year old still need to see a GP for impetigo treatment.
For those with severe conditions, the pharmacist may refer you to a doctor or an Emergency Department.
What are your thoughts on this new development? Have you had the chance to use this service yet? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below!
For our members who have experienced the frustration of securing a GP visit for a mild skin condition, there's some promising news on the horizon that could make your life easier.
In a move that could revolutionise healthcare, hundreds of pharmacies across New South Wales may now treat a range of mild skin conditions.
This massive change could mean that you can skip the GP visit and head straight to your local chemist.
The initiative should not be for convenience's sake but should also help alleviate the strain on GPs.
Allowing local pharmacies to tend to mild skin concerns should also let GPs focus more on pressing medical needs.
Pharmacists may now consult and dispense medicine for several skin conditions. Image Credit: Freepik
The NSW Pharmacy Dermatology Trial has been running for six months.
The trial allowed pharmacists to receive appropriate training to manage conditions such as impetigo (school sores), shingles, mild to moderate eczema, and acute mild plaque psoriasis.
This is an extension of the services some pharmacists already provide, such as consultations for urinary tract infections (UTIs) and resupplying oral contraceptive pills (OCP).
Over 480 pharmacies took part in this trial, and almost 1,500 people had already received their prescriptions directly from pharmacists.
The best part of this program is that the consultations in NSW pharmacies are free.
Patients should only pay for the prescribed medication.
Meanwhile, similar services in the ACT could charge patients for a pharmacy consultation.
According to the Pharmacy Guild of Australia's NSW branch's Catherine Bronger, this initiative should be a critical step in supporting and evolving the healthcare landscape in NSW.
It is a testament to the NSW Government's commitment to managing the supply and accessibility of GPs and relieving pressure on primary care services.
'Imagine, instead of struggling to find a GP appointment to receive a script for a minor skin condition, you could just pop down to your local pharmacy and receive the care you need, when you need it,' NSW Minister for Health Ryan Park stated.
With the trial underway, not all pharmacies or pharmacists could provide this service.
NSW Health provided a list and a map of participating pharmacies here.
Patients may also call their pharmacy ahead of time to check their operating hours or to book a consultation.
Patients should also check if they are eligible for the service.
Infants under six months old and individuals over 65 still need to see a GP should they need treatment for mild to moderate atopic dermatitis (eczema).
Minors under 18 still need a GP for shingles and mild plaque psoriasis treatment.
Lastly, babies under one year old still need to see a GP for impetigo treatment.
For those with severe conditions, the pharmacist may refer you to a doctor or an Emergency Department.
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