Key Points
- NSW Government to roll out trial from Monday to access UTI medication at dozens of pharmacies.
- Access will be available to women aged between 18 and 65 showing signs of an uncomplicated UTI.
- Doctor advocacy groups fear the trial could risk patient safety.
Women in NSW will soon have easier access to treatment for urinary tract infections as the government rolls out a large trial aimed at easing pressure on the state's GPs.
From Monday, patients will be able to access antibiotic treatments for uncomplicated urinary tract infections over the counter at dozens of pharmacies across the state.
The trial will include 100 NSW pharmacies, including about a third in Sydney, as well as in Byron Bay, Narrabri and Albury.
Women will be able to purchase the medication if they are between the ages of 18 and 65 and are showing symptoms of an uncomplicated urinary tract infection.
Further community pharmacies will be included after July, when the second phase of the trial will also allow women to access the oral contraceptive pill over the counter at pharmacies, except if it's the first time they have taken the medication.
Improving access to medicines was a priority for the NSW government, Health Minister Ryan Park said on Thursday.
"We want to ensure this is done so safely - and we are determined to get it right," Mr Park said.
"This will not only improve access to medications - but it will also alleviate the pressure on GPs and primary care services."
The $5 million trial was originally announced by former premier Dominic Perrottet before the state election, and welcomed by federal Health Minister Mark Butler.
"At a time when the country's got skyrocketing demand for good health care and a constrained supply of workers, it doesn't make sense not to have everyone operating to the full extent of their skills and training," Mr Butler told ABC Radio Perth earlier this year.
"I'm very keen to see these trials continue and to build an evidence base for using our health workforce smarter and more effectively."
However, doctor advocacy groups have criticised the trial, saying it could create new patient safety risks.
Royal Australian College of General Practitioners vice-president Bruce Willett previously told AAP the trial would result in women receiving substandard care.
"We think this is a retrograde step for the health of women," Dr Willett said.
"The current standard of care is long-acting reversible contraceptives and none of those would be able to be prescribed by a pharmacist."
