National Pharmacies welcomes expanding scope of practice for pharmacists in SA
South Australians suffering everyday conditions like gastro, earaches, reflux and acne will be able to access treatment from their local pharmacist as part of a State Government move to help ease pressure on the health system welcomed by National Pharmacies today.
Under the government program announced on World Pharmacists Day, SA pharmacists who undertake postgraduate training will be able to treat skin conditions, ear infections, nausea and vomiting, gastro-oesophageal reflux, musculoskeletal pain and rhinitis, as well as provide wound management services.
The expanding scope of practice program follows the successful rollout of initiatives earlier this year allowing eligible South Australian women access to medication for uncomplicated urinary tract infections and a resupply of their oral contraceptive pill through community pharmacies, including almost all National Pharmacies stores in SA, instead of visiting a GP.
National Pharmacies CEO Vito Borrello said National Pharmacies looked forward to working with the Malinauskas Government and Health Minister Chris Picton to continue expanding South Australians’ access to everyday health services through community pharmacies.
“In the past six months, our trained pharmacists have assisted more than 600 women seeking help for urinary tract infections (UTI) and those needing repeat access to oral contraceptive pills (OCP), improving access to health care and reducing Emergency Department admissions,” said Mr Borrello.
“Our 24/7 pharmacy at Norwood has further assisted access to health care advice and medication with more than 8000 people visiting afterhours since opening in February,” he said.
“We are excited to be able to harness the full scope of practice of our expert pharmacists to better meet the complex health needs of South Australians, our ageing population and our overstretched health system.”
National Pharmacies is committed to working with the government and relevant stakeholders to progress the relevant prescribing and clinical assessment training required for pharmacists. The program is expected to start as early as 2026, pending completion of the required training.
Media enquiries: Rebecca DiGirolamo. M: 0429 181 422. E: [email protected]
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About National Pharmacies: National Pharmacies is Australia’s largest friendly society pharmacy and optical business where profits made through operations are returned to members in the form of benefits. High quality customer service, professional advice and a wide range of products and services are an integral part of National Pharmacies since opening its doors as a single dispensary in Adelaide in 1911. Today, there are 46 National Pharmacies operating in South Australia, Victoria, and New South Wales, with 19 optical stores operating in South Australia.