The Pharmacy Guild of Australia's ACT Branch President Simon Blacker welcomed the reappointment of Rachel Stephen-Smith MLA as the ACT Minister for Health and now also Minister for Mental Health.
"Rachel Stephen-Smith is a capable and effective health minister who understands the complex challenges of the health portfolio," Mr Blacker said. "We look forward to working further with
Ms Stephen-Smith on increasing Canberrans' access to healthcare when and where they would like to receive treatment."
"The Barr Government, along with the major parties, has committed to further expanding community pharmacists' scope of practice with appropriate training and evidence, so patients can gain quicker access to healthcare while relieving the burden on GPs and hospital emergency departments," he said.
"This includes broadening out of the current treatment of uncomplicated UTIs, resupply of the oral contraceptive pill, and minor skin conditions to all participating community pharmacies in Canberra."
"Earache, acne, nausea, and reflux are some of the everyday health conditions that Canberrans will be able to receive treatment for in the future at their community pharmacy," Mr Blacker said.
The ACT will also pilot chronic disease management programs for treatment of conditions such as asthma, cardiovascular risk reduction, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease monitoring, obesity and weight management.
"We look forward to the ACT Assembly passing the necessary legislation as soon as possible in its sitting schedule to enable community pharmacists to practise at full scope of practice."
"Pharmacists will need to undertake rigorous training over 12 months or more before they are approved to provide expanded scope services to the community."
"The Pharmacy Guild looks forward to working with ACT MLAs and their local communities and healthcare stakeholders to improve patient outcomes in the Territory," Mr Blacker said.
