Expanded pharmacy services trial under way

SOME pharmacists in Geelong and across Victoria are now providing treatment and advice for a range of common conditions under a statewide pilot.

During the 12-month pilot, which started in November, hundreds of pharmacies are offering services include advice or treatment for women with uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) or a resupply of their existing contraceptive pill without needing a prescription.

A broader public health vaccination offering, travel health consultations and treatment for mild skin conditions will roll out in the coming weeks and months.

Part of a $20 million investment in the Victorian Budget 2023-24, the pilot had about 400 pharmacies across the state signed up ahead of its launch, with another 200 set to join the program in coming weeks.

Victorians will not be charged for a pharmacy consultation for UTIs, mild skin conditions or a resupply of the contraceptive pill.

Pharmacies may charge a fee for a travel health consultation and vaccinations, while the cost of medication will remain the same as a prescription from a GP.

The five Community Care Chemists in Bellarine Village, Belmont, Geelong West, Grovedale and North Geelong are among those taking part.

Community Care Chemist chief executive officer Nick Salkeld welcomed the expanded role of pharmacists.

“Our highly skilled and qualified pharmacists are already supporting the health and wellbeing of people in the Geelong region,” he said.

“The pilot program will allow pharmacists to use their expertise and experience to provide patients with timely and effective treatment for a wider range of common health conditions.

“Community Care Chemist has been caring for the Geelong community for the past 125 years and this is a positive, practical step forward in supporting people with improved access to health services.”

Geelong MP Christine Couzens visited Community Care Chemist’s Belmont pharmacy earlier this month to help launch the pilot.

She said the trial would benefit women and people living in regional areas, through improved access to routine health treatments.

“This pilot program is a great initiative for women’s health in the Greater Geelong area.

“Being able to access oral contraception and uncomplicated UTI treatment directly from the chemist will save women time and money from now on.”

Pharmacies who have not yet joined are encouraged to still sign up.

To be eligible to participate, all pharmacists are required to successfully complete mandatory training in the piloted services and demonstrate they are well equipped to know if someone should be referred to a GP or hospital.

They must also prove they have the appropriate facilities within the pharmacy, such as a private consulting room.

The pilot is being guided by expert advisory and clinical groups representing Victorians and the pharmacy and medical professions, including the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, and Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation.

For more information on the 12-month pilot, head to betterhealth.vic.gov.au/services-support/community-pharmacist-pilot