A trial for appropriately trained pharmacists to provide community access to important medications and treatments, usually only available with a prescription, is running in NSW.
The University of Newcastle is leading the trial in association with the University of Technology Sydney, Macquarie University, University of New England, Charles Sturt University, The George Institute for Global Health and the Hunter Medical Research Institute.
From May 2023, participating pharmacists can provide treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women aged from 18 to 65 years (inclusive) as part of this trial.
Initially, a small feasibility study will occur for UTI management in randomly selected pharmacies to test the service in real world conditions. The service will be available in more pharmacies from mid-2023.
From July 2023, the trial will be expanded to allow eligible women to receive a resupply of their low-risk oral contraceptive pill (the pill) from participating pharmacists. Women must be aged from 18 to 35 years (inclusive) and have been prescribed the pill for contraceptive purposes in the last two years by a doctor (GP) or nurse practitioner.
