Expanding the Role of Pharmacists in Australia:
The Trend Continues!
You may have heard in the news that pharmacists across Australia are expanding their scope of practice—but what does this actually mean for you?
Let’s start with some fact and figures (the boring stuff!) to help us understand the state of health care in Australia. It’s no secret that access is becoming more and more difficult, with long wait times to get an appointment to see a GP, overwhelmed emergency departments (ED) and increasing and unaffordable gap payments with less and less bulk billing medical clinics. Have you ever hesitated to seek medical attention because of the $40–80 consultation fee? Unfortunately, this is becoming a common reality.
Emergency Departments are now increasingly seeing patients with ailments that are not urgent and could be better treated by doctors or community pharmacists. In 2023-24, there were 8.8 million presentations to an Australian ED, with about 6.6% of these being triaged as non-urgent. What if these patients could be treated by their local community pharmacy? Governments are starting to acknowledge and support the important role that pharmacists can play when they are allowed to work to their full skill and training.
What Does This Mean for You and Your Family?
It means faster, more convenient access to treatment for certain conditions—without long wait times.
Here’s what’s already available in your state:
Nationwide:
Women can now access treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) directly at community pharmacies. With pharmacies open in almost every community, including evenings and weekends, this is a game-changer for Australian women.
Queensland:
Some WholeLife pharmacists have completed additional training to diagnose and treat up to 23 conditions, including:
- swimmer’s ear
- school sores
- Contraception needs
- shingles
- skin conditions like psoriasis, acne, and dermatitis
- travel health advice, including vaccines and preventive treatments for malaria
New South Wales:
Some WholeLife pharmacists can now treat:
- dermatitis
- shingles
- school sores
- psoriasis
- Plus, they may be able to resupply a woman’s birth control pill without needing a doctor’s prescription.
- From 2025, the NSW Government committed to expanding pharmacist services to match Queensland’s offerings.
Victoria:
WholeLife pharmacists may provide treatment for:
- psoriasis
- Shingles
- Birth control pill resupply
Western Australia (Mandurah):
WholeLife Pharmacists may currently provide:
- Birth control pill resupply
- WA’s Government announced plans in August 2024. To allow pharmacists to treat minor wounds, nausea, shingles, acne, dermatitis, and some types of pain.
The Future of Community Pharmacy
The ability to walk into your local WholeLife Pharmacy & Healthfoods to seek treatment for these minor type conditions is a huge step forward for patient access and care. If you haven’t met your local WholeLife pharmacist yet, we encourage you to go in, say Hi and ask them about the services that they can provide for you and your family. For a list of our stores, please visit our website.
Here’s a snapshot of the services that you may be able to access at your WholeLife Pharmacy & Healthfoods.
Wishing good health for your whole family, for your whole life!