Source: Australian National Party
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Released 27/02/2025
The ACT Government is expanding access to health care for women, with a clinical trial transitioning to regular practice at more community pharmacies.
All eligible ACT community pharmacies will be invited to offer support for women with uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) and those who need a re-supply of their contraceptive pill, following the completion of the NSW Health Pharmacy trial. The trial enabled Canberrans to access these treatments at 15 pharmacies across the ACT.
The clinical trial saw more than 780 consultations for Canberra women aged 18-64 presenting with symptoms of uncomplicated UTIs, and 176 consultations for Canberrans seeking re-supply of the oral contraceptive pill.
The new arrangements will enable more community pharmacies that meet the clinical and practice requirements to treat uncomplicated UTIs in eligible women and people with a uterus aged between 18-64.
They will also be able to support women aged 18 to 49 to obtain a re-supply of the contraceptive pill, after a consultation with a participating pharmacist, if they have been:
- taking their existing pill for contraceptive purposes; and
- continuously prescribed a low-risk oral contraceptive pill in the last two years by a doctor or nurse practitioner.
The ACT’s Chief Pharmacist and Chief Health Officer are also working to expand the range of vaccines pharmacists can offer through changes to the Vaccinations by Pharmacists Standard. This includes RSV vaccine Abrysvo® for use in pregnancy available under the National Immunisation Program.
Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said the roll-out of these treatments to more community pharmacies will make it easier for people to access the health services they need and reduce pressure on primary health care providers and emergency departments.
“Community pharmacists play a key role in supporting the health and wellbeing of our community,” Minister Stephen-Smith said.
“This announcement is the first step in delivering on our commitment to expand the scope of practice for community pharmacists so they can provide evidence-based care to more consumers.”
Participating pharmacies will be required to follow strict protocols and inclusion criteria to ensure the safe and quality use of medicines, and ensure patients understand when they may need to seek further care.
The ACT Government is working with the New South Wales Government to ensure a consistent and integrated approach to increasing community pharmacy services across the wider region.
Other components of the pharmacy trial, including the treatment of minor skin conditions, are still ongoing at participating trial pharmacies in the ACT.
For more information about how to access these services, and participating pharmacies, visit Getting medicine for a urinary tract infection from a pharmacy and Getting a resupply of the pill from a pharmacy.
Quotes Attributable to Simon Blacker, President, Pharmacy Guild of Australia, ACT Branch:
“The expansion of uncomplicated UTI treatment and resupply of the oral contraceptive pill to eligible patients by all participating Canberra pharmacies is great news for patients.
“It gives Canberrans more options to gain treatment when and where they choose to do so and eases pressure on our health system.
“Action by the ACT and New South Wales Governments to further align pharmacist vaccination standards across the border is also welcome and another important step forward for patients.”
– Statement ends –
Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Media Releases