Canberra women will have a new way to access treatments for uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) at select ACT pharmacies as part of a new trial.
The ACT Government has secured agreement with the NSW Government for ACT pharmacies to participate in the NSW-led trial. The trial will evaluate the effectiveness and safety of pharmacists prescribing antibiotics to treat uncomplicated UTIs in women and people with a uterus aged between 18-65.
UTIs are a common condition in women and uncomplicated UTIs can be treated with a short course of antibiotics.
Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith MLA said the 12-month trial supports the ACT Government’s commitment to improving health care access and outcomes across the community.
“Pharmacists play a key role in our health system, providing access to health care support and advice for many members of our community,” Minister Stephen-Smith said.
“By enabling pharmacists to initiate treatment for women with an uncomplicated UTI, we are helping Canberrans access treatment quickly and reducing pressure on other primary health care providers.”
Five pharmacies across the ACT have been selected by researchers at the University of Newcastle, who are leading the trial and have been licensed by ACT Health to participate in the program.
The pharmacies were selected based on access for all geographical areas in the ACT and include:
- Capital Chemist Charnwood
- Gold Creek Discount Drug Store
- The Pharmacy on Petrie
- Erindale Pharmacy, Erindale Shopping Centre
- PharmaSave Woden Pharmacy.
ACT pharmacies participating in the trial will be required to follow strict protocols and diagnostic criteria to ensure the safe and quality use of antibiotics in the treatment of uncomplicated UTIs, and ensure patients understand when they may need to seek further care.
“Participation in this trial will help us to understand the role of pharmacist prescribing in the context of our health system, and ensure alignment across ACT and NSW,” Minister Stephen-Smith said.
“ACT Health will continue to engage with NSW Health, the trial researchers at the University of Newcastle, and pharmacy and medical stakeholder bodies in the ACT throughout the trial.
“They will also work closely with the pharmacy sector to ensure that they have the necessary training and resources to deliver these services safely and effectively.”
