Thousands of women across NSW will have expanded access to treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) following the successful completion of the 12-month NSW pharmacy trial.
From 1 June, all pharmacists with suitable facilities in NSW who have undergone the required training will be able to provide consultations and prescriptions for these medications.
More than one thousand pharmacies across the state have been participating in the trial and more than 16,000 women have benefited from using this service in the year the trial has been in place.
The NSW Government's $6 million statewide community pharmacy trial has helped more than 16,000 women access UTI treatment quicky and conveniently from their local community pharmacist.
During the trial, the NSW Government committed to providing $20 per patient consultation compensation for pharmacies participating in the trial, however with the UTI service becoming a normal service offering, consumers should be aware that pharmacies may set their own fee for the service, in addition to medication costs.
Pharmacies offering the UTI service will need to ensure they are listed on the National Heath Directory Service so consumers can easily find their nearest pharmacy by checking online or by phoning HealthDirect on 1800 022 022.
Women will continue to be eligible for UTI treatment at a participating pharmacy provided they are:
- aged 18 to 65 years (inclusive)
- displaying symptoms consistent with an uncomplicated urinary tract infection
- have not had other recent UTIs or have a high risk of complications.
A comprehensive evaluation of the trial is underway, including looking at the number of women who were satisfied with the service, how often antibiotics were supplied, how often women were referred to other services and what, if any, medical and pharmacy services the trial participants required after the consultation.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Ryan Park:
"The NSW Government is committed to taking pressure off GPs and primary care services and we are constantly evaluating ways we can deliver healthcare more efficiently as well as safely.
"Enabling pharmacists to do more will mean many women will get timely access to the care they need.
"Ensuring continuity of care will be crucial as pharmacy service offerings increase, including strengthened communications between pharmacists and doctors about a patient's treatment."
Quotes attributable to Pharmacy Guild of Australia NSW Branch President David Heffernan:
"Women across New South Wales will benefit from easy access to treatment for painful UTIs.
"This UTI trial has been a success in providing affordable, accessible everyday healthcare with over 16,000 women treated across the state.
"Pharmacists are ready to step up take some of the pressure off of GP clinics and hospitals."
Quotes attributable to Pharmaceutical Society of Australia NSW President Luke Kelly:
"The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia and pharmacists across NSW thank Minister Park and the NSW Government for the confidence they have shown in pharmacists.
"Thousands of NSW women will now have timely access to effective treatment for painful and uncomfortable urinary tract infections."
Quotes attributable to Chief Investigator at the University of Newcastle Dr Sarah Dineen-Griffin:
"The UTI trial has seen incredible demand.
"It is pleasing to see the service continue while we undertake an independent evaluation of the data collected during the trial, with a final report to be provided to the NSW Ministry of Health in early 2025."
