Pharmacy pilot expands services

PEOPLE on the Bellarine Peninsula and across Victoria seeking treatment for mild and common skin conditions will soon be able to get access to the care they need at a community pharmacy, at no cost.

Last week, the Victorian government announced 729 pharmacies could treat Victorians with mild psoriasis or shingles from this month, as part of the next phase in the Victorian government’s Community Pharmacy Pilot.

The pilot includes seven pharmacies on the Bellarine:

• Barwon Heads Pharmacy
• Direct Chemist Outlet Kingston
• Direct Chemist Outlet Leopold
• Direct Chemist Outlet Ocean Grove
• Drysdale Amcal Pharmacy
• Peak Pharmacy Drysdale, and
• Peak Pharmacy Leopold.

More than a quarter (27 per cent) of the participating pharmacies are in regional Victoria.

“Not only does this pilot save Victorians the time and cost of a trip to the GP, but it also frees up our doctors for those who need them most,” Bellarine MP Alison Marchant said.”

More than 3,700 Victorian community members have already taken part in the Community Pharmacy Pilot, demonstrating the importance of the program.

“This expansion creates more accessibility for the immediate care the community needs.”

Victorian women are reaping the benefits of the pilot, with around 2,000 women seeking care and antibiotics to treat uncomplicated urinary tract infections.

The pilot is also making it easier for women to get a resupply of the oral contraceptive pill, with around 1,300 women avoiding trips to their GP for a simple script refill.

Preparing for an overseas trip is less stressful with 400 Victorians using the in-pharmacy travel health and vaccination consultations.

The Victorian government says feedback from the pilot has been overwhelmingly positive, with patients reporting they are very satisfied with the service they received, and most did not need to seek further healthcare.

To participate, all pharmacists must complete mandatory training and demonstrate they know when someone should be referred to a GP or hospital.

They must also have appropriate consulting facilities within the pharmacy.

The pilot is guided by experts and clinical groups representing the pharmacy and medical professions

At its conclusion, the pilot will be evaluated, and any recommendations will inform longer-term decision making.There is no charge for patients to see a participating pharmacist to receive care under the pilot.

If medications are required, the cost to the patient would be no more than if they had received prescription from a GP.

“It just makes sense to be able to pop down to your local pharmacy to get treatment for everyday conditions and basic health care needs, and our pilot program is helping thousands of women do just that,” Premier Jacinta Allan said.