QUEENSLAND Health's decision to extend the Urinary Tract Infection Pharmacy Pilot - Queensland (UTIPP-Q) is being hailed as a "definitive commitment to the advancement of women's healthcare in the State".
The continuation of the program will allow women aged 18 to 65 years to access immediate treatment for UTIs through community pharmacies until 30 Jun.
Welcoming the decision to extend the trial, Pharmacy Guild of Australia Queensland Branch President, Chris Owen, said it reflected the State Government's recognition of the sector's role in delivering primary healthcare services.
"One in every two Australian women experiences a UTI in their lifetime," he said.
"The extension of the Pilot gives women affected by an uncomplicated UTI access to early, convenient and effective treatment from their participating local community pharmacy.
"Access to timely and appropriate medical treatment can be difficult for many Queensland women.
"The quicker a UTI can be diagnosed and treated, or referred to another healthcare provider if necessary, the less likely the patient is to experience further complications that may result in hospitalisation.
"Participating community pharmacies are pleased to continue supporting patients and advancing women's healthcare."
As of 02 Dec 2021, 819 pharmacies in the State had registered to participate in the program, with the service accessed by more than 6,300 patients.
Pilot Lead and Queensland University of Technology School of Clinical Sciences Head, Professor Lisa Nissen, said she was pleased with the uptake of the service.
"These figures demonstrate a clear demand for the service in Queensland communities and a willingness from community pharmacy to meet that demand," she said.
"The Pilot's success has illustrated the key role community pharmacy can play in reducing pressure on public health assets whilst still providing world-class primary healthcare services -- not just in metropolitan areas -- but in the regional, rural and remote communities that Queensland women call home."
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 13 Jan 22
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