Further 40 pharmacists to undertake prescribing training in WA

Forty Western Australian pharmacists will start training at The University of Western Australia this month, further delivering on the Cook Government's commitment to improving access to primary healthcare across the State.
  • Additional 40 pharmacists to start training to diagnose and treat Western Australians for a range of simple health conditions
  • Fifty mostly rural and regional-based pharmacists are already training under the pilot
  • Pilot is about boosting access to healthcare for a range of simple, common conditions
  • Consultation process under way on proposed regulatory changes.

Forty Western Australian pharmacists will start training at The University of Western Australia this month, further delivering on the Cook Government's commitment to improving access to primary healthcare across the State.

Through the Enhanced Access Community Pharmacy Pilot (EACPP) program, qualified pharmacists will be able to diagnose and provide treatment for certain common health conditions.

The Cook Government has invested $1.26 million to subsidise training costs to encourage pharmacists to undertake the training, so that they can boost healthcare access in their communities.

Of the 90 pharmacists that are now training to take part in the pilot, 34 of them are based in rural and regional WA.

The Department of Health has prioritised allocation of subsidies to areas with a shortage of GP services.

The pilot is on track to launch later this year, subject to training completion.

Comments attributed to Health Minister Meredith Hammat:

"This next intake of pharmacists builds on the strong momentum of the Enhanced Access Community Pharmacy Pilot, and will improve access to timely, safe, and high-quality healthcare for Western Australians.

"As demand for primary care continues to grow, it is essential we make best use of the skills of our health workforce, particularly in areas experiencing GP shortages.

"The pilot has been designed to support communities with the greatest need, including regional and outer metropolitan areas where access to GP services can be challenging."