Some Whanganui pharmacists say people are seeking medical advice from them before seeing a doctor due to long wait times for GPs. A nationwide Pharmaceutical Society workforce survey shows an 80% increase in requests from patients unable to access GP in the past six months. Central City Pharmacy owner Stacey Simpson, who has owned her business for five years, said she had seen an increase in the number of people checking wounds or ailments with pharmacists to work out if they needed to see a doctor.
“We’ve always had that, but it’s increased over these past few years, which is putting a strain on everyone,” Simpson said. Aramoho Pharmacy senior pharmacist Ray Anderson said there had been more patients presenting who could not get in to see their GP, but pharmacists could generally secure them an appointment if necessary..
