Local residents in Cessnock City Council Local Government Area (LGA) and Lake Macquarie City Council Local Government Area (LGA) have received 135 and 511 consultations respectively for everyday medications from community pharmacists, under the NSW Government’s pharmacy prescription trial.
The trial allows pharmacists to provide medications for uncomplicated UTIs and low-risk oral contraceptive pills, by allowing pharmacists to dispense these everyday medications it takes pressure off GPs.
It’s part of the NSW Government’s response to improve access to GPs for those who need them the most.
The initiative is also helping to address cost of living pressures by reducing the medical expenses patients face when seeking everyday medications.
Between 1 July 2023 and 18 January 2024, 123 residents in Cessnock City Council LGA and 470 residents in Lake Macquarie Council LGA received consultations for uncomplicated UTIs.
12 residents in Cessnock City Council LGA and 41 residents Lake Macquarie Council LGA received consultations for the resupply of the oral contraceptive pill.
NSW Minister for Health, Ryan Park said:
“Over the course of this trial so far, we have seen over 8,000 people across New South Wales access everyday medications that they would have otherwise had to go to a GP for.
This is part of our broader effort to relieve the pressure on our GPs, which includes the rollout of 25 urgent care clinics across the state.”
State Member for the Electorate of Cessnock, Clayton Barr said:
“We know that it is becoming more difficult to access a GP, let alone one that bulk bills.
“By enabling pharmacists to dispense these medicines, we are clearing the way for those who need to access GPs the most.
“The NSW Labor Government is also aware of the current cost of living challenges and this initiative also reduces some of the costs patients face when seeking everyday medications while still providing quality healthcare at the right time and in the right place.”