Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson welcomes the weekend’s announcement that the NSW Government was easing the pressure of GPs by making is easier to access more medications through your local pharmacy.

Mr Anderson said the reform would expand the number of vaccinations a pharmacist can administer, trial pharmacists prescribing medications for urinary tract infections, and also develop a pilot for trained pharmacists to prescribe medication for a range of other conditions.

“We know how hard it can be to get in and see a GP in our region,” Mr Anderson said.

“That’s why we’re working hard to make it easier to access essential primary health care services while easing the pressure on hospitals and local GPs.

“Health systems across the country are under pressure at the moment and we’re getting on the front foot to make the improvements our community needs and deserves.”

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 urinary tract infections; 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.

Mr Anderson said the work done by pharmacists throughout the pandemic was critical to the region reaching such a high vaccination rate so quickly.

“Throughout the pandemic, many went to see their trusted local pharmacist to get vaccinated and we’re now expanding their role, ensuring they can continue to foster that relationship with their clientele.

“This will no doubt ease the workload of GPs who are run off their feet attending to the health needs of the community.”

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.

NSW pharmacists are currently able to administer six vaccines, including COVID-19 and influenza vaccines.

An expression of interest process for participation in the urinary tract infection trial will commence on 14 November 2022.