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NOVEMBER 10, 2023
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Pharmacy firsts
Two Cairns chemists get approval to prescribe medicines l WESTCOURT
The one that didn’t get away l CAIRNS ESPLANADE | Nick Dalton
| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez TWO pharmacists from Alive Pharmacy Warehouse at Westcourt will become the first in Far North Queensland to be able to prescribe up to 23 medications to patients without a doctor’s prescription next year. As part of the North Queensland Scope of Practice Pilot announced in 2022, which has since been expanded statewide, Alive Pharmacy DFO head pharmacist Firouzeh Farihi and Alive Pharmacy managing director Georgina Twomey are completing one year of studies and by early 2024 they will become the first prescribing pharmacists in Cairns. “We won’t be prescribing everything, only about 23 elements, and we’re looking to address mostly prescription renewals, so we’ll be able to give you that prescription for one repeat until you see your doctor,” Ms Twomey said. “We’ll be able to prescribe anything for gastro reflux, weight loss medication, contraceptives, some blood pressure medications, anything for ear infections, acne medication from antibiotic to topical
Alive Pharmacy DFO head pharmacist Firouzeh Farihi who will be one of the first in Cairns to be able to prescribe medicines along with (inset) Alive Pharmacy managing director Georgina Twomey. Main picture: Isabella Guzman Gonzalez
and more,” she said. The pilot program, which was launched by the state government to help the GP shortages in regional areas, requires a standard consultation and a
physical examination (if necessary) with a pharmacist, who will then be able to prescribe within the range of medications authorised. “It’s very exciting because
we will be some of the first pharmacists in the country who will be able to write prescriptions,” Ms Farihi said. “That’s a huge step for pharmacies and our profession as
well, and it’s something that’s being applied all over the world and we think that Australian patients should get the same as patients overseas,” she said.
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A PROPOSAL to ban fishing along the Cairns Esplanade on safety grounds has been rejected following a huge community outcry. Councillors adopted a new local law at Wednesday’s meeting which would allow fishing to continue along the Esplanade. The only restriction will be along the footpath fronting the Lagoon, between the northern and eastern piers. Fishing will not be permitted between 6am and 6pm daily. Acting Mayor Terry James said the council had received 104 submissions in relation to proposed amendments to its local laws, the vast majority relating to fishing on the Cairns Esplanade. “There was clear and overwhelming support for fishing to be allowed to continue on the Esplanade,” he said. “During the four-week consolation period, council received a total of 93 submissions on a proposed prohibition of fishing on the Cairns Esplanade, with only one submission supporting the ban.” Cr Amy Eden, whose division 5 includes the Esplanade, said it was “clear to say the people have spoken”. Cr Rob Pyne said the council had listened and it was “a commonsense outcome”.
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