The UTI component of the NSW Pharmacy Trial ceased on 31 May 2024. From 1 June 2024, NSW pharmacists holding general registration, who have completed the required training and are working in a pharmacy with suitable facilities can provide treatment for UTIs to eligible patients, as per the new NSW Health Authority.
Pharmacist and pharmacy requirements
To provide this service, pharmacists must:
- Confirm their insurance coverage – the PDL Master Policy automatically includes professional indemnity cover for members who provide this service as per the NSW Health Authority.
- Comply with all relevant legislation as per the NSW Health website.
- Complete the relevant education and training via the Australasian College of Pharmacy or the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia.
- Use a service room or consulting room with the patient physically present.
- Practice in accordance with the NSW pharmacist practice standards for use of antibiotics to treat UTI.
- Make and keep a secure digital record of consultations and their outcomes for seven years.
- Share a record of the consultation with the patient’s usual treating medical practitioner or medical practice, where the patient has one, within a week of the consultation. Please note that patients must provide consent for the record to be shared.
- Maintain an up-to-date service listing via Healthdirect. Pharmacies should first check if they are listed in the directory and if not, complete the registration form.
Patient eligibility
Patients will be eligible for UTI treatment at a participating pharmacy provided they are:
- female
- aged 18 to 65 years (inclusive)
- displaying symptoms consistent with an uncomplicated UTI, such as burning or stinging pain upon urination and frequent need to urinate
PDL tips for providing a successful service
- Ensure the pharmacy has adequate protocols and procedures in place for the service and that all staff are trained in their roles. Guidance on this can be found in the PDL ‘Look before you leap’ CPD activity.
- Ensure the patient provides informed and financial consent before providing the service. Service fees are at the pharmacy’s discretion and are in addition to medication costs.
- Ensure patients are aware of symptoms and responses that warrant referral to a GP or hospital – from time to time patients may experience an adverse event or fail to respond to antibiotic therapy. It is important that documentation is kept, reflecting what has been provided to the patient, and that appropriate referral mechanisms are highlighted to the patient should they fail to respond to treatment or experience an adverse event.
Reporting to PDL
Pharmacists are reminded to report any event or incident to PDL and internally via the pharmacy’s incident reporting procedures. PDL is ready to support NSW pharmacists in the provision of this service and reassures community pharmacists that the PDL Master Policy includes professional indemnity cover for members who provide this service in accordance with approved legislative authority and guidelines.
Pharmacy proprietors should confirm their indemnity status with their business insurer to ensure they cover this new service. Pharmacists with a current Guild Insurance Pharmacy Business Insurance Policy are encouraged to contact their account manager or call 1800 810 213 to obtain confirmation of policy coverage.
For immediate advice and incident support, call PDL on 1300 854 838 to speak with one of our Professional Officers. We are here to support our pharmacist members 24/7, Australia-wide.
Insurance issued by Guild Insurance Limited ABN 55 004 538 863, AFS Licence No. 233791 and subject to terms, conditions and exclusions. Guild Insurance supports PDL through the payment of referral fees. This information is of a general nature only. Please refer to the policy wording and policy schedule for details. For more information, call PDL on 1300 854 838.
