"It helps everybody I think, especially with social distancing, if it takes one person out of the social equation then that is a good thing."
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Tamworth Pharmacist Anna Anderson said Health Minister Brad Hazzard's announcement of changes allowing GPs and nurse practitioners to send a digital image of the prescription would add to those already taking advantage of the telehealth system.
As of this Friday, doctors can prescribe medicines via email or fax, making it more convenient for patients to access medications from their pharmacists during the COVID-19 crisis.
By only allowing scripts to be sent by email or fax rather than via text to a pharmacist, will stop potential prescription forgery and diversion to the criminal supply chain, he says.
It coincides with the announcement of $5000 fines for people who spit or cough on health workers, including pharmacy staff.
For Tamworth and Gunnedah pharmacies, they say there has been an increase in people remotely sending in scripts.
Dr Anderson, from Blooms Chemist, said many more of her customers had been taking advantage of the electronic system since the Covid-19 pandemic.
"We've been doing it for quite some time, where they can email of fax, and we just do it the electronic way," she explained.
"It makes a huge difference, as we have been getting a lot more than we normally would.
It helps everybody I think, especially with social distancing, if it takes one person out of the social equation then that is a good thing.
- Anna Anderson
The same goes for pharmacist Lisa Hagley from Gunnedah's Discount Chemist, who says customers can either pick up or get their prescriptions delivered to them.
"That sort of thing has been going on to a far lesser extent than what we are seeing now, but it's ramped up now because telehealth has been increasing, with more patients being seen over video conference, or Skype," she explained.
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Coinciding with the government's push for electronic transactions was the announcement people abusing or threatening pharmacy staff could be hit hard with a $5000 fine.
But for both Anna and Lisa, they say their customers have been "lovely" and have seen nothing of the kind of behaviour, like spitting and coughing on staff, seen elsewhere.
"Personally, my staff and I haven't had any issues," Dr Hagley said.
Maybe country people are more understanding, especially when you have that relationship with the customers, you explain the situation to make sure no one is going without.
- Lisa Hagley
"Maybe country people are more understanding, especially when you have that relationship with the customers, you explain the situation to make sure no one is going without."
And with a fresh batch of chocolate Easter bunnies on the counter delivered from a regular, Dr Anderson said while is was good to know the fines were there, the understanding and respect from people coming through has been amazing.
"I think initially there was a little bit of that [bulk buying], but people have settled now, supplies are starting to come through," she said.
"I think everyone is doing the best that we can. Just roll with it, everyone will play their part and come through the other side."
