Access to contraceptive pill made easier
Women in The Entrance electorate now have easier, more affordable access to the oral contraceptive pill as a 12 month trial is made permanent by the State Government.
Member for The Entrance, David Mehan (left) and Simon Sabbagh from Kuoch Chemist.
2 October 2024
SINCE the oral contraceptive pill trial began in September 2023, 13 pharmacies in The Entrance electorate have been delivering consultations to women in need.
From last Saturday 28 September 2024, NSW pharmacists who have completed the required training and work in pharmacies with suitable facilities are able to offer this service as part of their usual business.
Member for The Entrance David Mehan said “Access to the contraceptive pill will now be easier for women in The Entrance electorate.
“We know, at times, it can be difficult to see a GP. Giving women, who are eligible, the option to be seen at a local pharmacy, means that they have access to affordable health care when they need it.
“Allowing pharmacists to offer this service permanently will help alleviate the current pressure on our local GPs and hospitals to be able to focus on more complex and acute health issues.”
Women who have been using these contraceptive options continuously for the last two years, as prescribed by a doctor (GP) or nurse practitioner, and require a refill of their script, will be able to access extended supply for up to 12 months without having to visit their doctor for a prescription.
The NSW Government will make the existing service more accessible by expanding patient age eligibility criteria from 18-35 years to 18-49 years. Women aged 40-49 will now be able to access extended supply for up to three months without having to visit their doctor for a prescription, subject to meeting eligibility criteria.
The announcement follows the successful implementation of the first phase of the NSW Pharmacy Trial in May 2024, which saw more than 3,300 NSW pharmacists provide more than 18,000 consultations to women aged 18 to 65 with symptoms of uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI). The UTI service transitioned to usual pharmacy care from 1 June 2024.
The third and final phase of the trial allowing pharmacists to manage common minor skin conditions is underway and will be running until early 2025.
A detailed evaluation of all three phases of the NSW Pharmacy Trial will be provided to NSW Health in 2025 and will inform future expansion of services.
The NSW Government is committed to expanding the role of community pharmacists outside the trial framework and is working with NSW universities to develop formal training courses for pharmacists to manage a range of common conditions where clinically appropriate.
Member for The Entrance David Mehan said “Access to the contraceptive pill will now be easier for women in The Entrance electorate.
“We know, at times, it can be difficult to see a GP. Giving women, who are eligible, the option to be seen at a local pharmacy, means that they have access to affordable health care when they need it.
“Allowing pharmacists to offer this service permanently will help alleviate the current pressure on our local GPs and hospitals to be able to focus on more complex and acute health issues.”
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