The Tasmanian Government is committed to doing what it can to improve access to GPs and ease pressure on our hospitals.
That’s why we are exploring the role pharmacies can play as important primary health providers.
We are undertaking a Pharmacy Scope of Practice Review to consider what other services and supports this highly skilled group of professionals may be able to safely provide to Tasmanians.
However, we believe there are steps we can take in the interim.
I’ve tasked the Department of Health to immediately look at ways we can extend the role of pharmacists before the Review outcomes.
This includes expanding the list of medications that are already subject to continued dispensing provisions, such as medications used to treat high blood pressure and high cholesterol, to include a broader group of medicines like oral contraceptives, medications for the treatment of migraine, eczema, asthma and emphysema, as well as patients who are stabilised on anti-depressant medications.
This would mean that pharmacists could dispense or supply typically a month of medication after a patient’s prescription runs out and the patient had been unable to access a GP.
It does not mean pharmacists can initiate or prescribe these medications.
I have also asked the Department to investigate enabling pharmacists to administer a broader range of vaccines, including vaccines for the prevention of shingles, and travel vaccines already prescribed by a GP.
This would typically result in a reduction in the number of GP visits required for each vaccine.
This initiative complements our innovative GP solutions package, including our Single Employer Model for rural generalists, our GP after hours support grants, Community Rapid Response Service, new
Rural Medical Workforce Centre, Community Paramedics and mental health hospital in the home service.
Stakeholders will be immediately engaged in discussions on the medications and vaccines to be included in this interim extension of the scope of pharmacy.
The Tasmanian Liberal Government is investing record funding into health, delivering innovative and effective solutions that ensure all Tasmanians have access to healthcare where and when they need it.