TASMANIAN women can now seek treatment for a suspected Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) at their local pharmacy (PD 12 Feb).
Appropriately trained pharmacists working in community pharmacies and participating in the Tasmanian Community Pharmacist Pilot Program will now be able to provide safe and effective treatment for the condition for women within the program's approved age range of 18 to 64.
The Pharmacy Guild of Australia's Tasmanian Branch President, Helen O'Byrne, said she was pleased that the Tasmanian Government has recognised the accessibility of community pharmacies as well as the capacity of pharmacists to provide effective first-line treatment for uncomplicated UTIs.
"Utilising the skills of pharmacists working within the existing community pharmacy infrastructure is such a positive step forward for accessible healthcare in our state," O'Byrne commented.
"Our patients have always recognised the intrinsic value of their local community pharmacy in the health ecosystem; however in the past it has often been overlooked as a provider of primary care by bureaucrats at both state and federal levels."
"I would also like to thank the stakeholder group for supporting the recommendations from the Government's Independent Review into Tasmanian Pharmacist's Scope of Practice," she added.
A consumer awareness marketing campaign to support the new UTI service will run on social media, in pharmacies, on buses and in TV commercials highlighting treatment is 'Easy Peesy' at your local community pharmacy.
O'Byrne said that the campaign is aimed at highlighting the service participating pharmacies can provide in a fun and simple way.
"The Tasmanian UTI Pilot will run for 12 months, with an evaluation of the service to be undertaken during this time, to ensure that it is meeting the needs of the patients," O'Byrne said.
Pharmacists in Tasmania have undertaken accredited training which has been approved by the Tasmanian Department of Health after consultation with the Pharmacist' Scope of Practice reference group which includes GPs, epidemiologists, pharmacists and consumer representatives. JG
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