NSW shakes up healthcare: Women gain access to treatment from pharmacists despite opposition

Pharma News: Women across New South Wales (NSW) now have access to treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) from community pharmacists. The NSW Government’s statewide community pharmacy prescribing trial kicked off last week, despite facing opposition from the Australian Medical Association (AMA), the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP), and the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO).

The trial, announced by NSW Health Minister Ryan Park, involves approximately 100 community pharmacies across the state participating in the initial stage. However, the trial is set to expand, with additional pharmacies being included after the middle of the year. This expansion could potentially see over 5,000 women receiving care for their UTIs within the pharmacy setting.

Minister Park emphasised the government’s commitment to improving access to medicines while prioritizing safety. He expressed satisfaction in announcing the details of the trial’s first phase, which aims to enhance access to medications and relieve pressure on general practitioners (GPs) and primary care services. Furthermore, he highlighted the government’s ongoing collaboration with the Commonwealth Government to develop innovative models of care for better community healthcare accessibility.

During the consultation process, which is expected to last approximately 10 minutes, patients will be informed that the service provision is part of a research trial. John Bell, a pharmacist whose Woollahra pharmacy in Sydney’s eastern suburbs was included in the first tranche, explained that if patients agree to participate, their symptoms, duration, and severity will be discussed to determine the appropriateness of antibiotic therapy.

Patients accessing the consultation service will not incur any out-of-pocket costs. However, they will be responsible for covering the expenses of any prescribed medicines. The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) NSW State Manager, Amanda Fairjones, confirmed that pharmacists would receive $20 per consultation from the government, regardless of whether antibiotics are prescribed.

To ensure patient safety, a consortium led by the University of Newcastle is closely collaborating with GPs, infectious disease clinicians, pharmacists, rural clinicians, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representatives. The trial, which has obtained ethics approval, includes multiple safeguards to ensure safe, appropriate, and timely access to treatment for women with UTIs.

Dr Sarah Dineen-Griffin, a pharmacist and lead researcher, emphasised the trial’s objective of strengthening the entire health system through collaboration and effective communication with GPs. She expressed the research team’s interest in providing robust evidence, particularly regarding how the trial improves access to healthcare for women in regional and rural areas of NSW.

David Heffernan, President of the Pharmacy Guild of NSW, hailed the trial as the first step in broader reforms recognising the crucial role pharmacists play in providing primary care services to their communities. He added that this opportunity to support women seeking assistance for UTIs would further strengthen the relationships between pharmacists and patients.

The success of the service hinges on effective collaboration with GPs. Dr Dineen-Griffin stressed the importance of ensuring GPs are informed when their patients consult pharmacists and are provided with the necessary information to prevent any fragmentation of care.

During the trial, antibiotics typically stocked in pharmacies will be utilised, although pack sizes will differ. For instance, while trimethoprim typically comes in a pack of 7, the trial calls for a 3-day supply. Mr Bell underscored the importance of clear labelling on the antibiotics, including the pharmacist’s name who provided counselling to the specific patient.

Pharmacists are advised to incorporate the service into their workflow, including vaccination clinics. Mr Bell recommended that pharmacists adjust their workflow to accommodate the new service, potentially scheduling patients for UTI consultations before attending to those waiting for vaccinations.

Additionally, starting from July, the trial will expand its scope to include the resupply of oral contraceptive pills. This development will further enhance the accessibility of essential services for women across the state, as the trial aims to extend to 1,000 pharmacies.

The launch of the statewide community pharmacy prescribing trial has sparked both optimism and controversy. While medical associations express concerns about the expanded role of pharmacists, the NSW government remains steadfast in its commitment to trialling new models of care to enhance patient access to healthcare services.

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