The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Victoria Branch welcomes the Victorian Government's announcement that the treatment of two skin conditions will be added to the Victorian pharmacist prescribing pilot from early March.
"The addition of shingles and the flare up of mild plaque psoriasis to the pilot will provide patients with the option to visit their trusted local community pharmacist to receive a wider range of treatment," said Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Victorian Branch President Anthony Tassone.
More than 3700 patients have already safely received treatment under the Victorian pharmacist prescribing pilot since it commenced in late October last year.
"The Victorian pharmacist prescribing pilot has already helped thousands of patients who have visited their local community pharmacy to receive treatment for conditions such as uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs), the repeat supply of oral contraceptives and travel health."
"This is a clear demonstration of the trust that patients have in highly trained community pharmacists to provide safe, timely and quality care for everyday conditions and healthcare needs," Mr Tassone said.
In the past four months, community pharmacists have provided almost 2000 consultations for women experiencing an uncomplicated UTI with the ability to prescribe antibiotics for treatment under prescribing protocols set by the Victorian Government.
Community pharmacists have also provided around 1300 consultations for the repeat supply of oral contraceptives. From November, the pilot has also allowed trained pharmacists to administer vaccines for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid and poliomyelitis as well as provide vaccination and healthcare services for the purposes of travel.
"For conditions such as shingles and UTIs, the timely provision of treatment is vital to relieve painful symptoms and mitigate against further complications. Appropriately trained community pharmacists are well equipped to provide this care to patients when and where they need it," Mr Tassone said.
"The Victorian pharmacist prescribing pilot is a win for patients as well as practical step to relieve pressure on our overstretched GPs and emergency departments."
"We look forward to continuing to work closely with the Victorian Government and other healthcare professionals to support better ways to respond to patients' health needs," Mr Tassone said.
Please visit the Department of Health's Community Pharmacist Statewide Pilot website www.health.vic.gov.au/primary-care/victorian-community-pharmacist-statewide-pilot for updates on the commencement date of the pilot's final clinical stream for the treatment of shingles and a flare up of mild plaque psoriasis.
