NSW Minister for Health Ryan Park has announced that from 01 Jun, pharmacists across the state will be authorised permanently to treat uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs), following the successful completion of a 12-month trial (PD breaking news).
Pharmacists who have undergone the necessary training will be equipped to provide consultations.
The announcement marks a significant milestone in expanding healthcare accessibility, and has been welcomed by Pharmacy Guild of Australia NSW President, David Heffernan, who added that during the trial, over 1,000 pharmacies participated statewide, providing treatment for UTIs to more than 16,000 women.
"Women across New South Wales will benefit from easy access to treatment for painful UTIs, and community pharmacists are ready to step up and take some of the pressure off of GP clinics and hospitals," said Heffernan.
UTI treatments will continue ahead of a comprehensive clinical evaluation of the NSW trial, scheduled for release in mid-2025.
PSA New South Wales President Luke Kelly said, "community pharmacists across New South Wales continue to work closely with GPs, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to ensure that patients get the right level of care when and where they need it, referring patients to their GP or nurse practitioner if there are signs of something more serious".
Kelly added pharmacists not participating in the trial can also be prepared for the program's expansion by completing online training and access to key resources on the PSA website.
The Guild added that besides offering resupplies of the oral contraceptive pill, pharmacists will soon extend their services to treat common skin conditions such as school sores and dermatitis.
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