A 12-month pilot in Victoria allows people to receive some treatments at a local pharmacy without needing to see a doctor to get a prescription first.
It particularly benefits women and people living in areas where it is hard to get a general practitioner (GP) appointment.
The pilot is running from October 2023 to October 2024.
During this time you can attend a pharmacy for treatment of some common health conditions:
Women can get more supply of a contraceptive pill they are already using without needing a prescription.
Women with uncomplicated urinary tract infections can access antibiotics for treatment.
Pharmacists can provide some vaccinations for travel and more public health vaccines including hepatitis A, hepatitis B, poliomyelitis and typhoid.
As part of the pilot, pharmacists are doing further training in each service they offer.
For example, training about the supply of antibiotics for urinary tract infections or identifying and providing the vaccinations you need for travel.
The pharmacists will follow clinical protocols to guide their decision-making.
These protocols have been developed by the Victorian Department of Health in consultation with medical and pharmacy experts and are based on international best practice.
Not everybody is able to receive their health care in a pharmacy.
Participating pharmacists will ask you questions before and during your consultation to help them decide if they can treat you.
Your age, your sex and the details of your condition and medical history may help the pharmacist determine whether they can treat you or whether you need a referral.
A referral is usually a letter to another healthcare provider to ask them to see you.
The pharmacist will refer you to your doctor or another healthcare provider if they think that is the best option for you.
People with or without a Medicare card and international students are eligible to seek a service under the pilot.
Your consultation with the pharmacist will take place in a private consultation room.
They will explain the pilot and ask for your consent to be part of the pilot and to have your information collected.
They will then ask you about the health service you need and make a decision about your treatment.
They will answer any questions you have and will make sure you have the information you need.
After a week, you may be sent a health check message by SMS or email.
It will check whether your symptoms have gone away and you feel better, and to make sure there are no side effects from the medication or the vaccination.
If your condition stays the same or gets worse, or you are worried about the medications, side effects or you have other concerns, you can see your usual doctor to discuss.
While the pharmacist will be able to help you with specific conditions during the pilot, your doctor is still the best person to see about your overall health and any serious health conditions.
Hills locals have access to several community pharmacist pilot locations including the Emerald Village Pharmacy, Chemist Discount Centre, Upper Ferntree Gully, Olinda Pharmacy, Pharmasave Boronia Discount Pharmacy, Boronia Discount Drug Store, Direct Chemist Outlet, Bayswater, Chemist Warehouse, Westfield Knox, Pharmacy @knox and Amcal Pharmacy Wantirna South.
