The NSW Government will ease the pressure on patients who find it difficult to get an appointment with a GP, by making it easier to access more medications through a local pharmacy.

Member for Willoughby Tim James said the community’s access to primary care will be boosted by:

• Authorising pharmacists to administer a wider range of public health and travel vaccinations from 14 November 2022, including Japanese Encephalitis, Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B, Poliomyelitis, Typhoid and Zoster.

• Funding a 12-month trial to evaluate allowing pharmacists to prescribe medication for urinary tract infections; and

• Supporting a state wide pilot where appropriately trained pharmacists can prescribe medications for certain conditions, such as skin ailments, ear infections, and hormonal contraception.

“These ground-breaking reforms aim to relieve pressure on emergency departments and wait times to see a GP by giving our community more access to primary care services,” Mr James said.

“The COVID-19 pandemic provided a prime example of just how vital of a role local pharmacists play in keeping the community safe and well.”

“With these reforms the community will be able to visit an appropriately trained pharmacist to get a script for things like a urinary tract infection or birth control, easing the burden on our local GPs and reducing wait times for others that require more specialised care.”

Local Pharmacist Vahe Artinian of Anderson’s Pharmacy on Penshurst Street, Willoughby welcomed the reforms and noted that pharmacists will be fully trained and must meet certain standards.

“This will be very helpful to patients and the community at large.” Mr Artinian said.

NSW Health will work with pharmacists to support the expansion of the vaccination program with education modules and materials for both themselves and their customers.

NSW pharmacists are currently able to administer six vaccines, including COVID-19 and influenza vaccines.

An expression of interest process for participation in the urinary tract infection trial will commence on 14 November 2022.