❓ The Minister for Health outlines how allowing pharmacists to prescribe antibiotics for uncomplicated UTIs will improve access to primary care and provide timely, convenient healthcare for women in WA, referencing the Sustainable Health Review and similar programs in other states.
AnsweredQoN 473Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS
473. Ms C.M. COLLINS to the Minister for Health:
I refer to the action taken by the
Cook Labor government to address record demand facing our health system and
improve access to primary healthcare services.
(1) Can the
minister outline to the house how the recent decision to allow pharmacists to
prescribe antibiotics for women with uncomplicated urinary tract infection
symptoms will improve access to primary care services such as general
practitioners?
(2) Can the
minister advise the house how this initiative will help women in WA access
timely, appropriate and convenient health care?
473. Ms C.M. COLLINS to the Minister for Health:
I refer to the action taken by the
Cook Labor government to address record demand facing our health system and
improve access to primary healthcare services.
(1) Can the
minister outline to the house how the recent decision to allow pharmacists to
prescribe antibiotics for women with uncomplicated urinary tract infection
symptoms will improve access to primary care services such as general
practitioners?
(2) Can the
minister advise the house how this initiative will help women in WA access
timely, appropriate and convenient health care?
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for Hillarys for
her question and note her strong advocacy for women and women's health
care, particularly in her electorate.
(1)–(2) The
government, under the former minister and now Premier, commenced the
sustainable health review in 2017. That
review over two years was overseen by Robyn Kruk, who is an independent expert
and has more than 30 years' experience in the public health system.
The final report included eight enduring strategies and 30 recommendations. We
have reset that review since the COVID pandemic and revisited the implementation plan. One of the core
priorities of that implementation plan is improving access to care. As we know,
primary care is incredibly stretched at this point, and the federal government
is doing what it can to support our colleagues in primary care. That is why
this government is also trialling pharmacist-led UTI management.
Essentially, the 30 women in this chamber will have all been there. It is
incredibly uncomfortable and painful and it is very difficult sometimes to get
quick treatment when immediate relief is needed. Women often have to wait for
days or weeks to see a GP. When you know what it is, you know what it is.
Several members
interjected.
Ms A.
SANDERSON : Indeed.
Those
women with an uncomplicated UTI will now be able to present to participating
pharmacists, who will be able to prescribe antibiotics. This is a common
complaint. It is a very simple measure and it is being done in partnership with
community pharmacy. This was developed through a working group with the
Australian Medical Association, the Royal Australian College of General
Practitioners, the Chief Pharmacist, health consumers and pharmacists.
Pharmacists will need to undergo training, and that is available now. They will
then notify on the Find a Pharmacy website or app that they are participating
in this program. Essentially, it is based on the Queensland program but with WA-specific elements, and Victoria and New
South Wales are progressing similar programs. This is important work
that has been led by the Chief Pharmacist. This is a safe program that will
allow women with uncomplicated UTI symptoms to present to their pharmacy and
get the immediate relief that they need. It is a great step forward in women's
health care. Of course, it does not negate the need to see a GP should those
symptoms recur or they have further complications.
We are also looking at ways to
extend access to oral contraceptives in WA via pharmacists. Currently,
pharmacists are restricted to one usual supply of the quantity in an emergency
situation once a year. We are looking at a trial based on other jurisdictions that will allow expanded resupply if it was
prescribed within the last two years for t hose who are on a stable
medication to ensure greater convenience for women in Western Australia. The
department is leading this work and we expect it to be finalised in early 2024.
It strongly aligns with the national women's health strategy, which
includes improving access to reproductive health care for women.
her question and note her strong advocacy for women and women's health
care, particularly in her electorate.
(1)–(2) The
government, under the former minister and now Premier, commenced the
sustainable health review in 2017. That
review over two years was overseen by Robyn Kruk, who is an independent expert
and has more than 30 years' experience in the public health system.
The final report included eight enduring strategies and 30 recommendations. We
have reset that review since the COVID pandemic and revisited the implementation plan. One of the core
priorities of that implementation plan is improving access to care. As we know,
primary care is incredibly stretched at this point, and the federal government
is doing what it can to support our colleagues in primary care. That is why
this government is also trialling pharmacist-led UTI management.
Essentially, the 30 women in this chamber will have all been there. It is
incredibly uncomfortable and painful and it is very difficult sometimes to get
quick treatment when immediate relief is needed. Women often have to wait for
days or weeks to see a GP. When you know what it is, you know what it is.
Several members
interjected.
Ms A.
SANDERSON : Indeed.
Those
women with an uncomplicated UTI will now be able to present to participating
pharmacists, who will be able to prescribe antibiotics. This is a common
complaint. It is a very simple measure and it is being done in partnership with
community pharmacy. This was developed through a working group with the
Australian Medical Association, the Royal Australian College of General
Practitioners, the Chief Pharmacist, health consumers and pharmacists.
Pharmacists will need to undergo training, and that is available now. They will
then notify on the Find a Pharmacy website or app that they are participating
in this program. Essentially, it is based on the Queensland program but with WA-specific elements, and Victoria and New
South Wales are progressing similar programs. This is important work
that has been led by the Chief Pharmacist. This is a safe program that will
allow women with uncomplicated UTI symptoms to present to their pharmacy and
get the immediate relief that they need. It is a great step forward in women's
health care. Of course, it does not negate the need to see a GP should those
symptoms recur or they have further complications.
We are also looking at ways to
extend access to oral contraceptives in WA via pharmacists. Currently,
pharmacists are restricted to one usual supply of the quantity in an emergency
situation once a year. We are looking at a trial based on other jurisdictions that will allow expanded resupply if it was
prescribed within the last two years for t hose who are on a stable
medication to ensure greater convenience for women in Western Australia. The
department is leading this work and we expect it to be finalised in early 2024.
It strongly aligns with the national women's health strategy, which
includes improving access to reproductive health care for women.
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