A new campaign has been launched to further highlight the expanded range of healthcare services available through community pharmacies as part of the Victorian pharmacist prescribing pilot.
President of the Victorian Branch, Anthony Tassone, said the Victorian pharmacist prescribing pilot improves access to affordable healthcare, ensuring Victorians receive the necessary care quickly and locally. More than 10,000 patient consultations have already been delivered by participating Victorian pharmacies as part of the pilot.
"The Victorian pharmacist prescribing pilot is a significant advancement in providing accessible, affordable, and high-quality healthcare to Victorians. By expanding the role of community pharmacists, we are helping to alleviate pressure on GPs and emergency departments while offering patients timely care closer to home at their local pharmacy," said Mr Tassone.
With very positive feedback from patients, the Guild looks forward to working with the Victorian government to further expand the role of community pharmacists after the pilot concludes in October. Participating community pharmacists are authorised to prescribe certain medications and provide treatment for various conditions under a structured prescribing model.
Services Offered Under the Pilot
The expanded services include:
- Oral contraceptive repeats: Patients can obtain a resupply of select oral contraceptive pills directly from participating pharmacists, enhancing accessibility to essential contraceptive care.
- Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs): Treatment for UTIs is available at community pharmacies, offering a convenient and timely option for women experiencing this common condition.
- Shingles treatment: Community pharmacists provide treatment for shingles, helping to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications.
- Mild plaque psoriasis management: Pharmacists manage flare-ups of mild plaque psoriasis, providing accessible and effective treatment options.
- Travel and public health vaccines: Pharmacists administer select travel and public health vaccines, increasing immunisation coverage and convenience for the community.
More than 760 pharmacies across Victoria are participating in the pilot. Community members can find more information about their nearest participating community pharmacies and the services they offer through the Victorian Government’s Better Health Channel or findapharmacy.com.au.
