Almost 1,500 people have received more convenient and easy-to-access care for common skin conditions as part of the NSW Pharmacy Dermatology Trial.
The trial, which has surpassed the six-month milestone, allows appropriately trained pharmacists to manage common minor skin conditions, including impetigo (school sores), shingles, mild to moderate eczema and acute mild plaque psoriasis.
Over 480 pharmacies across the state are currently participating in the trial.
The skin conditions phase of the trial builds on trials which have enabled authorised pharmacists to undertake consultations for urinary tract infections (UTI) and the resupply of the oral contraceptive pill (OCP).
Since June 2024, authorised pharmacists have been able to offer the UTI service as part of usual business, and the resupply of OCP since September.
Convenient
This initiative has allowed thousands of people with the option of conveniently obtaining a prescription through their local pharmacist, relieving pressure on general practitioners and freeing up GP appointments for people who need them the most.
While the supply and accessibility of GPs is a responsibility of the Commonwealth, challenges relating to access to primary care is impacting the state’s hospitals.
The NSW government says it’s playing its part by embracing new and innovative initiatives to create pathways outside the hospital, including:
- Empowering pharmacists to provide care for selected common conditions.
- Delivering more urgent care services and clinics.
- Delivering more virtual care services, and
- Saving bulk-billing in NSW by providing payroll tax relief to GP clinics.
NSW Minister for Health Ryan Park said, ‘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.
‘We’re providing thousands of people with the option of conveniently obtaining a prescription this way, relieving pressure on our GPs and saving GP appointments for people who need them the most.’
Immediate care
Catherine Bronger, Senior Vice of President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, NSW Branch, said, ‘Community pharmacists in NSW have provided immediate care for nearly 1,500 patients with minor skin conditions through the NSW Pharmacy Dermatology Trial.
With over 480 participating pharmacies, the initiative offers convenient prescription access, easing the burden on GPs and reserving their appointments for more critical cases.
This approach benefits both the community and its residents by making treatment more accessible and efficient. The Pharmacy Guild of Australia is proud and honoured to be part of this critical initiative, supporting and evolving the NSW healthcare landscape.’
