<?xml version="1.0" encoding="ISO-8859-1"?> <docID>328477</docID> <postdate>2024-09-06 08:31:47</postdate> <headline>Pharmacists may soon treat more minor health conditions</headline> <body><p><img class="size-full wp-image-295928" src="https://citynews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/20230901001836902771-original-resized.jpg" alt="" width="900" height="600" /></p> <caption>Pharmacists would treat a range of minor ailments under the NSW government plan. (Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOS)</caption> <p><span class="kicker-line">By <strong>Sam McKeith</strong> in Sydney</span></p> <p><strong>Pharmacists in NSW may soon treat more minor health conditions including ear infections, nausea and acne as the state government grapples with a shortage of GPs.</strong></p> <p>Health Minister Ryan Park said the expanded scope of practice for local chemists could come into force by 2026, following an evaluation of a trial program.</p> <p>The move is aimed at helping to deal with a shortage of GPs in NSW, part of a national problem forecast to record a shortfall of 1,900 GPs across Australia by 2028.</p> <p>Under the flagged changes, NSW pharmacists would be able to treat middle ear infections, minor wounds, nausea and vomiting and some gastro-oesophageal problems.</p> <p>They would also be empowered to treat mild to moderate acne and mild acute musculoskeletal pain, the government says.</p> <p>Mr Park said the plan aimed to alleviate pressure on GPs, given people were "often waiting days or even weeks before they can find an appointment".</p> <p>"By empowering pharmacists to undertake consultations on more conditions, we can relieve the pressure on GPs and end the wait times," he said in a statement on Friday.</p> <p>"People should be able to access treatment as and when they need it, and the expansion of this important initiative will improve access to care."</p> <p>Pharmacy Guild of Australia NSW branch president David Heffernan said the change would mean patients were not forced to go to hospital "for a simple ear infection, just because their GP can't see them".</p> <p>The proposal comes after a Northern Territory plan to give pharmacists the power to treat 21 conditions, including school sores, shingles, asthma, swimmer's ear and hypertension.</p> <p>The Royal Australian College of GPs has opposed the NT plan, announced in July, claiming it undermines Therapeutic Goods Administration rules designed to protect patients.</p> <p>The NSW Liberal opposition has been contacted for comment.</p> </body>