WOMEN will be able to access treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) at select ACT pharmacies as part of a new trial.

The ACT will participate in the NSW-led, 12-month trial to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of pharmacists prescribing short-course antibiotics to treat uncomplicated UTIs in women aged between 18-65.

Simon Blacker, ACT branch president of Pharmacy Guild said: “With nearly 2000 people presenting to emergency in the ACT for a urinary infection annually, this initiative will help reduce pressure on the hospital system and make UTI treatments more accessible for Canberrans across the territory.

“This trial is an important step forward in providing patients with greater access to health services while broadening pharmacists’ scope of practice.”

Five pharmacies have been selected based on access for all geographical areas in the ACT by researchers at the University of Newcastle, who are leading the trial and have been licensed by ACT Health to participate in the program. They are:

• Capital Chemist Charnwood
• Gold Creek Discount Drug Store
• The Pharmacy on Petrie
• Erindale Pharmacy, Erindale Shopping Centre
• PharmaSave Woden Pharmacy.

ACT pharmacies participating in the trial will be required to follow strict protocols and diagnostic criteria to ensure the safe and quality use of antibiotics in the treatment of uncomplicated UTIs, and ensure patients understand when they may need to seek further care.

The trial services are to be patient-funded and will include a fee for both the consultation and antibiotics if required.

In the ACT, women can also receive treatment for uncomplicated UTIs at a nurse-led walk-in centre.