THE Tasmanian Government announced yesterday it will expand the role of community pharmacists, enabling them to provide more accessible care, as promised prior to the election in Jul (PD 17 Jun).

Pharmacists who undertake post-graduate training will be able to provide treatment for a broader range of common health conditions, including ear infections, reflux, rhinitis, shingles, eczema and wound care.

Tasmanian pharmacists can currently treat urinary tract infections and resupply hormonal contraception for women.

From Dec, appropriately credentialed pharmacists will also be able to initiate women’s hormonal contraception.

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) Tasmanian President Joanne Gross welcomed the announcement as a “significant step toward improving access to timely, safe and accessible healthcare across the state”, declaring it “a win for Tasmanians”.

“Expanding the scope of pharmacists means more people will be able to access the care they need, when and where they need it,” Gross said.

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