Pharmacy is part of the solution to healthcare crisis says PSNZ

Pharmacy is part of the solution in the face of chronic issues with access to general practice and emergency departments, says Michael Hammond PSNZ President

“The Government says it wants to improve access to quality and timely healthcare - the pharmacy sector can offer a number of solutions at a minor cost to the overall health system.

“Rolling out a minor health conditions service is a no brainer. At a cost of around $33 million a year for a scaled up national service, pharmacies could help take the pressure off general practice and potentially Emergency Departments, one of the Government’s key health targets.

“We have written to the Minister of Health to request a meeting on how funding a minor health conditions scheme could help the system as well as how pharmacy teams can help meet the Government’s health targets, if pharmacy is appropriately funded and resourced.

“Comprehensive Primary and Community Teams (CPCTs) are another example. They are bringing many benefits to patients and also staff. CPCTs, which can include pharmacists, expand the skill mix available to primary care teams, increasing community access and improving health outcomes.

“We want to work together as a sector to advocate for positive change. Last week we hosted the second meeting of senior representatives from New Zealand’s pharmacy sector.

“We are in the process of agreeing a common purpose statement for New Zealand’s pharmacy sector, which includes leadership, advocacy, collaboration, sustainability and equity.

“We want to be part of the solution to New Zealand’s health crisis.”