A LOCAL pharmacist has hit back at doctors’ claims chemists are inadequately trained to deliver some GP services.
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In a move deemed “outrageous” by doctors in the region, the federal government has proposed $1.2 billion for programs that could soon see pharmacists performing wound check-ups and chronic disease management.
Tamworth Discount Drugstore pharmacist Lia Mahony said the proposal may give locals easier access to healthcare, and ease pressure on GPs and emergency departments.
“We’re a good triage point,” Ms Mahony said.
“It’s a way to have people access professional healthcare when they need to, without clogging up the doctors’ surgery and our hospitals.”
She said the doctors’ surgery right next door to her pharmacy at Robert St was currently closed two days a week, and for people living in a lower socio-economic area of Tamworth, it was not always possible to jump in a cab to see a GP across town.
Often patients will come to pharmacists and will either be treated or advised to go to a doctor or a hospital for medical care.
“We currently do this,” Ms Mahony said.
She said if someone sustained an injury and needed regular wound dressings and checks, they could see the pharmacist without wasting a doctor’s time, freeing them up to see more patients.
She took issue with doctors’ claims that pharmacists did not have the necessary skills to give primary care to patients.
“We do have training in many over-the-counter and primary healthcare needs. We’re in a good position – not to make a diagnosis, but to contribute to the ongoing care of a patient,” Ms Mahony said.
“There has always been a good working relationship between doctors and pharmacists; they are different but complementary.”
Member for New England Barnaby Joyce yesterday told The Leader the government needed to make savings, otherwise the healthcare sector would be “gutted”.
A spokesperson for Tamworth hospital said they could not comment on whether the scheme would ease pressure at the emergency department, as the proposal was not yet in effect.