Premier Jeremy Rockliff commits to extending pharmacy hours and services, despite AMA warnings

The state’s Premier has promised a plan to expand pharmacy scope of practice is re-elected. But, medical bodies argue this could put people at risk.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff says the Liberal Government would support more pharmacy services and extended hours, with Helen O'Byrne, Pharmacy Guild, Ella Van Tienen Pharmaceutical Society Tasmania. Picture: Alison Foletta

The Liberal Party have recommitted their support for pharmacies with extended hours, with Premier Jeremy Rockliff saying this will ease pressure on GPs, if re-elected.

This healthcare support builds on things like being able to go to a pharmacy to treat urinary tract infections.

“We are going to build on this initiative and further expand the treatments that pharmacists can provide to include common conditions such as ear infections, reflux, skin conditions such as shingles and eczema, rhinitis and wound care,” Mr Rockliff said.

“This will free up thousands more GP appointments, reduce pressure on our emergency departments and save Tasmanian families time and money.”

Premier Jeremy Rockliff says the Liberal Government would support more pharmacy services and extended hours. Picture: Alison Foletta

Mr Rockliff said extending hours would support families when children get sick in the middle of the night, making a run to the pharmacy easier.

“We have previously provided support to enable pharmacies to extend their hours or employ additional staff to help meet increasing demand,” he said

“Now, community pharmacies can apply for grants to extend their hours later at night or over the weekends.”

The grants are up to $125,000.

Pharmacy Guild of Australia Tasmania branch vice-president Helen O’Byrne said there would be no issue in getting more pharmacists.

“We know that community pharmacy offers the most accessible health professionals in our community,” she said.

“Luckily, we are training a lot of pharmacists in Tasmania. We are seeing an uptick in the amount of pharmacists that are being trained.”

Ms O’Byrne said extending the scope of a pharmacist would even help make the role more attractive.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff with Libby and Florence at Terry White Chemmart Riverside. A re-elected Tasmanian Liberal Government will continue to expand access to healthcare by upskilling and better utilising community pharmacies to treat more Tasmanians and provide support that enables pharmacies to open for longer at night and on weekends. Picture: Liberal Party Tasmania

The pledge from Mr Rockliff has been labelled as a band aid solution.

Australian Medical Association Tasmania president Dr Michael Lumsden-Steel was concerned over the Liberal Party’s promise, calling it “dangerous” and putting “patient safety at risk.”

“This is another example of politicians not understanding medicine and the role of a doctor and the role of a pharmacist,” he said.

“Pharmacists are not doctors. They should not be diagnosing conditions, which can look superficial but instead be a pointer to something more serious that requires years of study and practice to understand.

“Added to this, letting someone prescribe and profit from the same medicine is a clear conflict of interest.”

Dr Lumsden-Steel called for funding for collaboration with health professionals and increase access to general practice.

Originally published as Premier Jeremy Rockliff commits to extending pharmacy hours and services, despite AMA warnings