Three months on from the start of the Victorian Community Pharmacist Statewide Pilot, Gisborne pharmacists are witnessing the benefits to women’s healthcare in the local community.
Premier Jacinta Allan and Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas visited Gisborne Priceline Pharmacy last year to kick off the start of the 12-month pilot, which is aimed at testing an expanded role for community pharmacists.
Gisborne pharmacist Kathy Mougios said the pilot has been really good news for their patients in Gisborne.
“Our pharmacy has been to help dozens of women whose scripts for the oral contraceptive pill have expired,” she said.
“We’ve also been able to help women experiencing uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTI) when they can’t get in to see their GP.”
“These new frontline services were a huge boost for patients over Christmas and New Year, when it can be harder to see a doctor.
“On top of helping locals, our pharmacy was able to help patients visiting family and friends in the area, as well as tourists.”
The team at Priceline Gisborne has been able to provide these frontline services to dozens of women since the beginning of the pilot.
Ms Mougios said the pilot is important for regional residents, such as those in Gisborne, as conditions like UTIs require immediate attention.
“[This] treatment… can be obtained from the pharmacy, [as UTIs] are very uncomfortable and painful.
“The population [of Gisborne] is increasing and access to doctors might be more difficult. Therefore women who need contraceptive pill and UTI treatment have alternatives in terms of access to medication.”
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