Pharmacists ask for support to provide more healthcare services

Pharmacists are calling for government support so they can provide wider healthcare services that are easy to access in the community.

TRUSTED HEALTH ADVICE

As demonstrated during COVID-19 lockdown, community pharmacy is at the frontline of the health system in New Zealand.

Pharmacists provide trusted health advice to New Zealanders through thousands of consultations every day. They are the health professional people see most often.

WIDER PHARMACIST SERVICES NEEDED IN THE COMMUNITY

Members of the public can already see their pharmacist for a variety of healthcare services, including the emergency contraceptive pill, erectile dysfunction treatment, medicines use reviews, selected oral contraceptives, urinary tract infections, influenza vaccinations, help to quit smoking and warfarin blood tests and medication dose adjustments.

Pharmacists have the knowledge and skills to provide a wider range of healthcare services, for instance, a full range of vaccinations, medication reviews for more people, more point of care testing for patients on warfarin or with gout, and a special service for serious mental health patients in the community.

GOVERNMENT SUPPORT NEEDED

Pharmacists are calling for government support to provide wider healthcare services that are easy to access in the community.

CONVENIENT ACCESS

Community pharmacy can provide New Zealanders with easy and convenient access to a wide range of health services, without people needing to make an appointment or paying to see their doctor.

Community pharmacies are open six or seven days a week to provide guidance and assistance with healthcare needs.

EXPERT MEDICINE MANAGEMENT

Pharmacists are medicines experts. They are qualified health professionals that work closely with a person’s doctor to ensure they are getting the best treatment.

To become a registered pharmacist, a person must complete a four-year university degree and a one-year internship in a pharmacy. Pharmacists must also complete regular professional development training to maintain their annual practising certificate.

Pharmacists play a vital role in the New Zealand health system. Pharmacists work in community pharmacies, hospitals, general practice, rest homes, independently as consultants and within government. Pharmacists prescribe, dispense, triage and consult.

PHARMACISTS ARE HEALTH CARE COACHES

Pharmacists act as face-to-face personal health care coaches in the community.

People can talk to their pharmacist about any physical or mental health issues or any medications they are taking. Pharmacists will be able to provide that person with trusted advice, treatment or refer them to their doctor if required.

Pharmacists can provide convenient access to a wide range of health care services for the most vulnerable members of our community, including the elderly, children, Māori and Pacific people, and people managing chronic health conditions.