GP leaves NSW pharmacy advisory panel amid concerns over prescribing expansion
15 Sep 2026
Dr David Leaf, a rural generalist and medical educator, had been part of the NSW Health Expert Advisory Group for Expanded Scope Community Pharmacy Services for around a year.
He said he became increasingly concerned that advice from medical members of the group was not being properly considered during discussions about the pharmacy prescribing program.
Speaking to ABC Radio, Dr Leaf said he had raised concerns about the evidence supporting the program but felt these views were not reflected in the group’s work.
He also questioned whether pharmacists had sufficient training to assess some conditions that are normally managed in general practice.
One example he raised was ear infections. Dr Leaf said recognising these conditions can require significant clinical experience and questioned whether short training programs could provide an adequate level of assessment.
He also criticised the previous pharmacist prescribing trial for uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women.
Dr Leaf said pharmacists did not have the same access to clinical assessment and testing and described the trial as having significant weaknesses.
According to Dr Leaf, concerns about the trial and wider prescribing changes were raised with NSW Health, including in written submissions and advisory group meetings.
The RACGP has also expressed strong concerns about the direction of pharmacist prescribing in NSW.
RACGP NSW&ACT Chair Dr Rebekah Hoffman said Dr Leaf’s decision to leave the advisory group should be taken seriously.
She said the resignation highlighted concerns about whether GP expertise was being given enough weight when decisions about expanded pharmacy services were being made.
The NSW Expanded Scope Community Pharmacy Service proposals would allow pharmacists to provide care for a wider range of health conditions, including hypertension, wound care, ear infections and some lung conditions.
The changes follow earlier plans to increase pharmacist access to treatments for contraception and uncomplicated urinary tract infections.
Dr Hoffman said the RACGP remained prepared to work with the NSW Government but wanted GPs to have a genuine role in discussions and decision-making.
Dr Leaf said he ultimately left because he believed medical professionals were being consulted without their concerns having enough influence on the final direction of the program.
GP leaves NSW pharmacy advisory panel amid concerns over prescribing expansion
Source: RACGP newsGP / ABC Radio