09/07/2024
Pharmacists can treat skin conditions in trial
THOUSANDS of people with common skin conditions will be able to receive treatment from their pharmacist under the next phase of the NSW Pharmacy Trial from this week.
Eligible people can visit a participating pharmacy, including Cincotta Auburn, to be treated by an appropriately trained pharmacist for impetigo (school sores), shingles, mild to moderate eczema and mild plaque psoriasis.
Under the trial, patients will not have to pay for the consultation, but will pay for the cost of medicines they receive as part of their treatment.
Cincotta Auburn pharmacists Jane Lee and Karen Tsang said the trial would make a real difference for patients.
“The success of the UTI trial shows that people value options for affordable, accessible everyday healthcare,” Jane said.
“It is more work for us but it’s a real win for the community and will take pressure off hospital emergency departments and freeing up GPs to treat more complex conditions.”
Karen said pharmacists offered a lot more convenience due to longer opening hours.
“Some skin conditions do have the ideal timeframe for treatment and now we can provide access to that treatment as soon as the problem arises,” she said.
The trial will close on February 28, 2025, or when the maximum number of trial-supported consultations has been reached.
It follows in the footsteps of the urinary tract infection (UTI) and oral contraceptive pill trials, with authorised pharmacies and pharmacists now able to offer the UTI service as part of usual business.
Health Minister Ryan Park said he knew how difficult it was to access a GP, “that’s why we’re making it easier for people to gain access to simple treatments and the medications they need for non-complex conditions”.
See more: https://localnewsplus.com.au/pharmacists-can-treat-skin-conditions-in-trial/
