Rollout begins for Australian-first pharmacy pilot

Brisbane, April 24 (MCCQ Newsdesk Ministerial Press Release)

An Australian-first pharmacy pilot to improve access to healthcare is now underway in north Queensland. This will allow participating pharmacists to treat and prescribe medicines for a range of common health conditions.

The pilot will expand across the state over the next 12 months as more pharmacists complete the required education and training programs.

A new pilot that will expand the health services available through Queensland’s community pharmacies commenced today (24 April).

Health Minister Shannon Fentiman visited Alive Pharmacy Warehouse in Cairns which is one of the pharmacies that is participating in the Queensland Community Pharmacy Scope of Practice Pilot.

This innovative Australianfirst pilot will provide greater access to healthcare for common health conditions, wellbeing services and chronic disease programs.

Pharmacists are required to complete additional education and training to ensure they are safely able to manage all conditions included in the pilot.

The pilot will expand across the state over the next 12 months as more pharmacists complete the required education and training program and will continue until June 2026.

The pilot enables pharmacists to treat and prescribe medicines for a wide range of health conditions and wellbeing services including:

Nausea and vomiting

Reflux

Nasal congestion and hay fever

Acne

Eczema

Mild psoriasis flare ups

School sores

Shingles

Minor wounds

Ear infections

Mild pain and inflammation

Support to quit smoking

Hormonal contraception

Oral health screening and fluoride application

Travel health

Management of weight and obesity

Heart disease risk reduction

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Rollout begins for Australian-first pharmacy pilot

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Improved symptom management for people with Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and Asthma

As of today, ten pharmacists and six pharmacies had been approved to participate in the pilot. These numbers are expected to increase in the coming days and weeks as clinicians and practices finalise their training, including one in Sarina.

The pilot follows the Queensland Government’s successful Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Pharmacy Pilot, which helped more than

10,000 women access treatment for uncomplicated UTIs through their local pharmacy.

This program has since been permanently implemented and is available at participating pharmacies.

Premier Steven Miles explains his commitment to the plan:

“Our Government is committed to making sure Queenslanders can access good quality healthcare, no matter where they live across the state.

“We know our hardworking pharmacists are more than capable to deliver these services – for common health conditions - and divert people away from our emergency departments and GPs.

“I am really proud that Queensland is leading the nation with this initiative.”

Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services and Minister for Women Shannon Fentiman:

“We are making it easier for Queenslanders to get the care they need quicker and closer to home.

“Our pharmacists are highly trained and regulated healthcare professionals.

“It’s why the Miles Government made a commitment to implement this pilot that allows pharmacists to practice to their full scope.

“Receiving treatment and medication for common health conditions without having to make an appointment with a GP will be a gamechanger for so many people.

“In a decentralised state like