Pharmacy Screening Program

The Pharmacy Screening Program is designed to identify patients at risk of COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) and CHF (Congestive Heart Failure) and connect them with their general practitioner (GP) for early assessment and diagnosis.

Program Objectives:

• Expand the role of rural community pharmacists in chronic disease screening

• Establish a formal referral pathway between pharmacists and GPs

• Identify and refer patients who may not have yet consulted their GP for chronic disease symptoms

Many patients seek symptom relief at their local pharmacy before visiting their GP, making pharmacists uniquely positioned to detect early signs of chronic disease and facilitate timely medical intervention.

How the Program Works:

Available in 27 pharmacies across the Murrumbidgee region.

1. When a patient presents at a pharmacy, they may be identified as at risk

2. With patient consent, the pharmacist conducts a free screening for potential heart and lung conditions

3. If results indicate concern, the pharmacist refers the patient to their nominated GP for further evaluation

Positive Impact & Feedback

Participating pharmacists have reported overwhelmingly positive feedback, highlighting the benefits of screening and spending more time with patients to support early intervention and better health outcomes.

This initiative strengthens the connection between community pharmacies and general practice, ensuring patients receive timely care and support for chronic disease management.

Pharmacies participating in the program include:

• Ardlethan Pharmacy, Ardlethan

• Ariah Park Pharmacy, Ariah Park

• Barooga St George Discount Pharmacy, Barooga

• Bush Chemist, Batlow, Griffith, Leeton

• Soul Pattinson Chemist, Deniliquin

• Forest Hill Pharmacy, Wagga Wagga

• Japps Pharmacy, Hay

• Junee Capital Chemist, Junee

• Leeton Amcal Pharmacy, Leeton

• Michael O'Reilly Guardian Pharmacy, Wagga Wagga

• Miegels Pharmacy, Corowa

• Moama Village Pharmacy, Moama

• Pat Zirilli Amcal Max, Griffith

• Phil Davies Amcal, Cootamundra

• Priceline Pharmacy, Griffith

• South City Pharmacy, Wagga Wagga

• Terry White Chemmart, Jerilderie, Walla Walla, Gundagai, Harden, Lockhart, Narrandera, Urana, West Wyalong

• Tocumwal Pharmacy, Tocumwal