Another state has followed Queensland in announcing sweeping new powers for pharmacists to diagnose and treat UTIs, ear infections and skin conditions. 

The NSW Government said on Sunday it had decided to run a 12-month pilot of pharmacists diagnosing and treating UTIs with antibiotics, which will be rolled out from February.

It then planned to launch a larger trial allowing pharmacists to prescribe oral contraceptives and treat minor infections “in step with pharmacist reforms being implemented in Queensland”, said NSW Minister for Health Brad Hazzard. 

“While some in the primary care sector have firm views on the role of pharmacists, their positive contribution to the management of the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated that they are able to deliver more for their communities,” he said.