The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Queensland Branch Vice President Cate Whalan welcomed the announcement today that the Queensland Community Pharmacy Hormonal Contraception Pilot (the Pilot), which offers patients better access to hormonal contraception services, has now kicked off in community pharmacies across Queensland.
Ms. Whalan said that while Pilot services are currently being offered in a select number of pharmacies, this number is expected to grow quickly as more pharmacists successfully complete the required training and are authorised by Queensland Health to participate in the Pilot.
"This Pilot is a game changer for women's health in Queensland," said Ms. Whalan. "With services now available, patients across Queensland can expect better access to hormonal contraception services."
Ms. Whalan paid tribute to the leadership of the Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services and Minister for Women, Shannon Fentiman MP.
"We would not be able to make this announcement today if not for the dedication and leadership of the state government, particularly Minister Fentiman."
"The Pilot services will be available to patients 16 years of age and over, noting hormonal contraception is the most common reason for a medical appointments for women under 40" said Ms Whalan.
Women who have previously relied upon telehealth because of lack of face-to-face appointments will now have another avenue to access personalised healthcare on demand.
"Community pharmacists who take part in the Pilot have undergone additional accredited clinical training and been authorised by Queensland Health," said Ms Whalan.
"Almost every town and city across Queensland has a community pharmacy. That means that, because of this Pilot, patients across Queensland will have better access to hormonal contraception services, meaning less pressure on GPs and greater choice for patients when it comes to taking charge of their reproductive health care," said Ms. Whalan.
"97% of people who live in metropolitan areas live within 2.5 kilometres of their nearest community pharmacy, and 83% of regional Australians live within five kilometres of their nearest pharmacy," Ms. Whalan said.
A complete list of community pharmacies participating in the Pilot will be available here in the coming days.
