Pharmacy pilot made permanent

THE Community Pharmacist Pilot Program has become an ongoing, statewide service allowing Victorians to receive some treatments at a pharmacy without needing a prescription from a doctor beforehand.

Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison joined UFS CEO pharmacy Nick Salkeld and head of pharmacy Peter Fell to recognise the achievement.

“It’s really expanding what [pharmacists] can provide and respecting them as professionals,” Ms Addison said.

Under the expanded program pharmacists will continue to offer services to treat urinary tract infections and skin conditions, and provide oral contraceptives and vaccines included in the pilot.

Over the next two years, the number of services pharmacists can provide will reach 22, with additional services to be introduced including treatments for allergies, type two diabetes, asthma, ear infections, smoking cessation support, and minor wound care.

“I’m at the end of my career now and this is hugely exciting,” Mr Fell said.

“If I was looking at stepping into this profession now, I think the opportunities that it’s going to provide will make a significant difference in attracting people into the workforce, where maybe five or 10 years ago there was a bit of a disincentive.”

Mr Salkeld said the demographic with the greatest uptake of the program is women, particularly to treat UTIs and access oral contraceptives.

“It’s really addressing some of those needs to go into a GP,” he said.

Consultations under the program are free.