AS TASMANIANS head to the polls just 16 months after the last state election, the Tasmanian Branch of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia has welcomed the commitment from the Tasmanian Liberals to deliver on expanding community pharmacist scope of practice, as per its announcement in May (PD 19 May).

Helen O’Byrne, Senior Vice President of the Tasmanian Branch, said the Guild was pleased to see the Liberals confirming their $5 million commitment, with all conditions under the Queensland model available for patients to access through qualified Tasmanian pharmacists.

Patients in Queensland and the Northern Territory can access treatment for more than 20 everyday and long-term health conditions at their local community pharmacy.

“Community pharmacy is the most accessible frontline health service, providing primary healthcare at a time and place that suits patients”, O’Byrne said.

“Tasmanian patients deserve access to the full range of services available in other jurisdictions, and this is exactly what a commitment to adopting the full Queensland model, and ensuring these conditions are made permanent practice, does.”

The Tasmanian Liberals’ commitment to grants to support extended, more convenient opening hours was also welcomed.

“We support anything that makes it easier for patients to get more care, when they need it, closer to where they live, from their local community pharmacists,” O’Byrne said.

The expanded services are anticipated to start rolling out next year, as pharmacists complete the required training.

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