The Pharmacy Guild of Australia Qld Branch Acting President Rick Xynias said this week that it was a historic moment when the Australian Medical Association Queensland (AMAQ) publicly admitted that women are struggling to get an appointment to see a GP to treat a UTI. “It is extremely concerning to see the admission of failure by the AMAQ and only reconfirms the Queensland Government’s decision, supported by the Liberal National Party Opposition, to make the UTI service permanently available for all Qld women with uncomplicated UTIs. “As a result of the statewide Pilot, overworked GPs will have more availability to treat patients who need longer consultation and have more complex needs. “Through the Pilot, we will work collaboratively to get the best outcome for our patients,” he said. Community pharmacists can only treat women with an uncomplicated UTI and if this isn’t the case, the community pharmacist will, in all cases, refer the patient to see a GP, said Xynias adding, “we actually help to triage patients for GPs”. The AMAQ admits there are limited availabilities of GP appointments, but it is an area where local pharmacists can help. “Since 2022, gov’t reports state more than 11,841 women have received treatment via community pharmacy for non-complicated UTIs, meaning Emergency Department figures would have been larger if the UTI service in community pharmacy wasn’t available,” Xynias explained. “This figure will grow as Queenslanders learn that this service is available throughout pharmacies. “This is clear evidence that community pharmacists have taken the pressure off Emergency Departments, this is a win for patients and health policy reform,” he commented. “Enlisting the strong network of qualified community pharmacists to do more and deliver safe treatment for everyday health conditions is the best outcome for patients. “Expanding the North Queensland Community Scope of Practice Pilot statewide is a huge win for patients as well as the overburdened GPs and Emergency Departments. “Patients deserve better,” Xynias concluded. JG