HEALTH & WELLBEING
Pharmacists to treat common skin conditions
Minister for Health Ryan Park has announced that pharmacists in New South Wales will be able to treat common skin conditions under a new clinical trial .
Under the trial , patients will be able to receive treatment for impetigo , shingles , cellulitis and mild plaque psoriasis from suitably trained local pharmacists .
The trial started in July 2023 , with pharmacies across the state onboarded gradually from June to September 2024 .
The Minister ’ s announcement follows the successful conclusion of the state ’ s trial of UTI treatment by pharmacies , which has seen over 17,000 patients treated since May of 2023 .
Under the skin conditions trial , NSW Health will reimburse pharmacies for consultation fees , ensuring that patients are not out of pocket for the service .
There are over 2,000 community pharmacies across NSW , with a pharmacy in almost every community across the state . Ninety one per cent of patients in a recent survey support pharmacists offering more everyday health care services .
At the same time , many patients are waiting weeks for an appointment with a GP and there is increasing pressure on hospital emergency departments .
“ This will make a real difference for patients ,” said David Heffernan , NSW Branch President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia . “ The success of the UTI trial shows that people value options for affordable , accessible everyday healthcare .”
“ This trial will mean more accessible everyday healthcare , taking pressure off hospital emergency departments and freeing up GPs to treat more complex conditions .”
“ Community pharmacies across NSW are ready to do more to help provide patients with primary health care they need .”
Dentists urge regular checkups
Dentists are encouraging parents to book regular dental check-ups for their families amidst research suggesting potentially preventable hospitalisation rates for young children due to dental conditions are surging at around 29 per cent above target levels .
The 2024 Oral Health Tracker Report from the Australian Dental Association , suggests that almost 11 in every 1,000 Aussie children aged 5-9 were admitted for preventable hospitalisations due to dental conditions , placing pressure on the public hospital system at a time when many emergency rooms are overburdened . Tooth decay is a major contributor to serious oral health issues with more than 27 per cent of children aged 5 -10 experiencing untreated tooth decay in their baby teeth .
Dr Mark Dohlad , Bupa Dental ’ s Principal Dental Officer , said many of these hospitalisations may have been avoided if the children had received regular dental check-ups and treatment from an early age .
“ Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease amongst children , which if left untreated , can lead to serious infections , ongoing pain and unfortunately a visit to the hospital that may have been avoided with good oral hygiene , healthy eating habits and regular visits to the dentist ,” Dr Dohlad said .
“ Dentists can help identify and treat dental problems before they become
severe and require hospital admission . They can also provide education and advice on how to maintain good oral health and prevent future problems . By taking children to the dentist regularly , you aren ’ t only protecting their teeth and gums , but also helping to reduce the demand for hospital services , which are already under strain .”
With many Australians tightening household budgets in the current cost-ofliving environment , initiatives are available to help families get their oral health back on track .
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule ( CDBS ), a government-funded program that provides up to $ 1,095 for basic dental services for eligible children aged 2-17 over two calendar years to access basic dental services such as examinations , x-rays , cleaning , fillings and extractions .
To find out more about what you are entitled to visit https :// www . servicesaustralia . gov . au / child-dentalbenefits-schedule
Hawkesbury District Health Service to become known as Hawkesbury District Hospital
From the 1 July 2024 , operation and management of Hawkesbury District Health Service ( HDHS ) will transition from St John of God Health Care to Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District ( NBMLHD ) and be known as Hawkesbury District Hospital .
The name acknowledges the organisation ’ s history and its strong community connections while also aligning with the naming conventions for NSW Health and NBMLHD hospitals .
Most importantly for patients and the community , there will be no changes in services offered by the hospital as of the 1 st July . It
Suitable exercise program for 50 years + focusing on strength , balance and falls prevention . Exercise program is delivered by health professionals and caters for all fitness levels . Walking aids are welcomed .
Greater West Exercise Physiology SOUTH WINDSOR Monday 10.30am , Tuesday 10.30am , Thursday 10.30am , Friday 10.30am Cost is $ 5 per session Unit 5 / 74 Mileham Street , South Windsor
Glossodia Community Hall Wednesday 10.30am - Cost is $ 5 per session 162 Golden Valley Drive , Glossodia
will continue to provide 24-hour emergency medicine , maternity care , allied health support plus a host of other services the community has come to love and expect .
While in the coming weeks there will be some physical changes to things such as hospital signage and uniforms , the highest levels of patient care and the wonderful , welcoming spirit of the Hawkesbury will remain .
The continuity of safe and compassionate care is a focus for NBMLHD to ensure a smooth transition for patients and staff .
North Richmond Neighbourhood Centre NORTH RICHMOND Monday 9.00am Friday 9.00am Cost is $ 5 per session 33 William Street , North Richmond
Richmond Uniting Church RICHMOND Wednesday 10.30am - Cost is $ 5 per session 25 West Market Street , Richmond
NEW LOCATION Greater Western Health , KURRAJONG Monday , Tuesday & Friday 10.30am 1147 Grose Vale Road Kurrajong
For information on attending the Move to Live Seniors Exercise program please contact 0404 871 484 or ( 02 ) 4577 2348
Qualified dermal clinician providing customised skin treatments , including treatments for :
• Acne • Anti-ageing • Pigmentation • Redness / sensitive skin
At Skin Health Central we promise to create a relaxing and customised experience every time you visit .
162a George Street , Windsor | 0459 345 948 skinhealthcentral . com . au
THE HAWKESBURY INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine . com . au ISSUE 170 // JULY 2024 23