NT pharmacy services expanded to include UTI diagnosis and treatment

Pharmacists will soon be able to hand out antibiotics for urinary tract infections, marking the first condition included in a push to expand pharmacy services across the Northern Territory.

Pharmacists will be able to hand out antibiotics for urinary tract infections from Monday, marking the first condition included in a push to expand pharmacy services across the Northern Territory.

The change means pharmacists can diagnose and treat uncomplicated UTIs after completing training from October 28, including prescribing Schedule 4 medicines such as antibiotics.

Health Minister Steve Edgington said the measures would alleviate pressure on primary care services and hospital emergency departments, as well as be more convenient for patients, reducing time and costs.

“These initiatives encourage pharmacists to play an active role in increasing patient access to care while reducing the burden on other health services for conditions that can be safely managed in pharmacies,” he said.

Laurie Zio, Minister Steven Edgington with Claire Ross Pharmacist Owner of Blooms The Chemist Darwin Plaza and Blooms as pharmacists in the NT will be able to diagnose and treat uncomplicated UTIs from Monday, October 28, as the CLP government moves to expand pharmacy services. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

The CLP pledged to increase pharmacists’ diagnostic and treatment powers, and has identified up to 23 services expected to be captured in the expanded scope of practice, including chronic heart disease management, contraceptive pills, obesity management, and acne.

Pharmacy Guild of Australia NT branch vice president Adrian Marshall said pharmacists were ready to provide the treatment.

“It really is a game changer in women’s health, allowing them to freely and easily access this service in their local community pharmacy,” he said.

“Nobody should have to present to an emergency department for treatment for an uncomplicated urinary tract infection.”

The Royal Australian College of GPs has previously warned against expanding pharmacists’ scope of practice, arguing it risked incorrect and missed diagnosis, and incorrect treatments.

Sam Keitaanpaa Chief Pharmacist for NT. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

In response to concerns about antibiotic resistance growing with more readily available prescriptions, NT chief pharmacists Samuel Keitaanpaa said it was an issue across all health professions.

“The antibiotics that we’ve selected are on the advice of our infectious disease teams and are specifically tailored to what is going to be the most effective with the lowest risk of resistance,” he said.

“Across Australia, no matter which health profession you’re in, we need to be vigilant with our use of antibiotics, and this protocol ensures that we’re only using it where appropriate.”

The change brings the NT into line with states including Queensland, South Australia and Tasmania which have already rolled out similar UTI treatment schemes in pharmacies.