22 March 2024
Queensland Branch Vice President Amanda Seeto congratulated the Queensland Government today for announcing a new Pilot that will make hormonal contraceptive services available to women through community pharmacies in Queensland.
The Community Pharmacy Hormonal Contraception Service Pilot will begin as early as July 2024, run until 30 June 2025, and be formally evaluated at its conclusion.
Community pharmacists who take part in the Pilot will undergo additional accredited clinical training to take part in the Pilot. These contraceptive services will be available to women and girls 16 years of age and over.
“Today’s announcement by Minister for Health, Mental Health, Ambulance Services, and Minister for Women, Shannon Fentiman, will be a game changer for women seeking access to these services through their community pharmacy,” said Ms Seeto.
“This is a great announcement for women’s access to medicines in Queensland. I would like to congratulate the Queensland Government on continuing to lead the nation in providing healthcare solutions that make a positive difference in communities,” Ms Seeto said.
Ms Seeto said the Pilot would mean women across Queensland would have better access to hormonal contraceptive services, meaning less pressure on GPs and greater choice for patients.
“Just about every town and city across Queensland has a community pharmacy,” said Ms Seeto.
“We know that 97% of people who live in metropolitan areas live within 2.5 kilometres of their nearest community pharmacy, and 83% of regional Australians live within 5 kilometres of their nearest pharmacy,” Ms Seeto said.
“This Pilot will mean women will have greater access to hormonal contraception, regardless of where they live in Queensland,” said Ms Seeto.
Expressions of interest for this training for community pharmacists will be available in coming days.
