General News
12 June, 2026
New health service helps seniors
A MEDICAL practice in Atherton has teamed up with a local pharmacy as part of a medication management pilot project for older people.
Older residents can now access a pharmacist directly within their general practice, as the Older Persons Medication Management Pilot Project expands in northern Queensland.
The project is being delivered through a partnership between Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) and the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA).
The project aims to increase access to services delivered by non-dispensing pharmacists for people over 65 and First Nations peoples over 50.
GP pharmacists are embedded within participating practices as part of the multidisciplinary care team, providing independent medication advice, reviews, improved medication safety, and education to help patients better manage their health.
The Atherton Health Hub in Louise Street has taken up the opportunity to be part of the program.
NQPHN chief executive officer Ben Tooth said the expansion of the project into Atherton represented a significant step forward in delivering better medication management for older people.
“Older people living with multiple chronic conditions often face complex and demanding medication regimens, and we know that medication errors become significantly more likely when someone is managing five or more medicines,” he said.
“This project places a skilled pharmacist right at the heart of the general practice team – where they can work closely with GPs, nurses, and patients to make sure medications are working as they should.”
