David Harris
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty, Minister for Gaming and Racing,
Minister for Veterans, Minister for Medical Research, Minister for the Central Coast, Member for Wyong
Yasmin Catley
Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Minister for the Hunter, Member for Swansea
David Mehan
Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer, Member for The Entrance
Liesl Tesch
Parliamentary Secretary for Families and Communities, and Parliamentary Secretary for Disability Inclusion, Member for Gosford
MEDIA RELEASE
Pharmacy medicine trial delivers for the Central Coast
Local residents on the Central Coast have received 545 consultations for everyday medications from community pharmacists, under the NSW Government’s pharmacy prescription trial.
It was the second best take up in the State, with only residents in the City of Sydney accessing more medications, at 644. Newcastle came in third with 535.
The trial allows pharmacists to provide medications for uncomplicated UTIs and low-risk oral contraceptive pills.
Allowing pharmacists to dispense these everyday medications takes pressure off local 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, 534 Central Coast residents received consultations for uncomplicated UTIs and 13 for the resupply of the oral contraceptive pill.
More information about the clinical trial and for a list of community pharmacies participating in the trial, is available at https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/pharmaceutical/Pages/community-pharmacy-pilot.aspx
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.”
Minister for the Central Coast and Member for Wyong David Harris said:
“We know that it is becoming more difficult to access a GP on the Central Coast, 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.”
Minister for the Hunter and Member for Swansea Yasmin Catley said:
“Everyone deserves timely, affordable access to medication and this trial is proving to be a roaring success in that regard.”
“Our community relies on affordable and accessible healthcare, that’s why rebuilding and supporting our essential services is a top priority for this government.”
Member for The Entrance, David Mehan said:
“This is great news and another milestone in our efforts to build a better public health system on the Coast.”
Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch said:
“Allowing Central Coast residents to access certain medications from their expert pharmacist has been a very successful way to keep people healthy and well, reduce costs and free up our GPs.”
“Given the difficulty and cost associated with visiting GPs on the Coast, this new service has made it easier for Coasties to access a range of essential medications.”
