FROM 01 Mar pharmacists will be able to provide treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women aged from 18 to 65 years (inclusive), provided they are appropriately trained, working in eligible community pharmacies which are part of the Tasmanian Community Pharmacist Pilot Program.
According to the Pharmacy Guild of Australia's Tasmanian President Helen O'Byrne, community pharmacies regularly have people presenting with UTI symptoms.
"As a trained professional it is frustrating to have a patient present with a common condition and not be able to offer first line recognised treatment immediately.
"Based on the uptake of services in other states - 9,000 women in NSW alone have accessed this service - we anticipate that over 1,000 Tasmanian women will benefit from timely treatment of UTI's at their local community pharmacy, in this year alone."
The standard therapeutic guidelines for the treatment of UTIs is well recognised and accepted and pharmacists will be working through a protocol to determine if the effective treatment is suitable.
The Tasmanian Govt is working with the Department of Health, Primary Health Tasmania, GPs, pharmacy and consumer groups to consider further pharmacy-led services as part of the state govt's Review of Pharmacists Scope of Practice, meaning over time scope will expand further.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 12 Feb 24
To see the full newsletter, see the embedded issue below or CLICK HERE to download Pharmacy Daily from 12 Feb 24
