Connecting people to timely care through community pharmacies

For many people, the local community pharmacy is one of the first places they go for medicines, health advice and everyday health products. Pharmacies are easy to access and are staffed by trusted professionals

As demand on our health system grows, community pharmacies are playing a bigger role in improving access to timely care for health conditions and medicine management.

In 2023, the NSW Government commissioned the University of Newcastle to lead three pharmacy trials across NSW and the ACT, which focused on urinary tract infections (UTIs), the resupply of the oral contraceptive pill and the management of four skin conditions.

The government-funded project brought together 18 partner organisations, including pharmacy and medical groups, consumer organisations and universities.

Participating pharmacies spanned metropolitan, regional, rural and remote areas with a focus on improving access for the population, particularly women and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Outcomes are already playing a pivotal role in shaping government decisions about how pharmacies can better support healthier communities.

The University is also set to play a leading role in pharmacy education. From 2026, it’s one of two NSW universities that will offer full-scope training for community pharmacists – setting a new benchmark for pharmacy education in Australia¹. This will ensure that graduates who go on to become pharmacists will be ready to treat 23 conditions, including reflux, acute nausea, allergies, asthma, hypertension and oral contraception resupply.

IMPACT

PATH-UTI trial

• The UTI trial was the largest of its kind globally, involving more than 1,000 pharmacies. Economic modelling showed that pharmacist-led treatment could reduce GP visits by 10 per cent and emergency department visits by 2.2 per cent support 21,000 women each year, resulting in potential annual savings of ~$2.2–$2.3 million.

• More than 17,000 women aged 18 to 65 years of age received care for UTIs through their local pharmacy during the 10–month trial, with about eight percent needing a referral to a doctor.

• Influenced by the results of the study, in June 2024, the NSW and ACT Governments expanded pharmacists’ scope of practice to include managing uncomplicated UTIs, once pharmacists had completed relevant training^2,3. The change aims to make care faster and more accessible.

• In June 2026, the NSW Government released the final report for the UTI trial, which found:

• Nearly nine out of 10 women reported being satisfied to very satisfied with the pharmacy service.

• Just over 79 percent of participants reported complete symptom resolution within seven days.

• Ninety-nine percent of pharmacist consultations followed clinical protocols.

• Antimicrobial resistance trends suggested the service did not contribute to additional antimicrobial resistance.

• The final report recommended making UTI care a permanent pharmacy service to improve access and affordability.

PATH-OC trial

• Nearly 2,000 women took part in the oral contraceptive resupply trial, with 18 to 25 years the most common age group. Only a small number needed a referral to a doctor and there were no hospitalisations or emergency department presentations for oral contraceptive‑related adverse events.

• Influenced by the trial, the NSW Government announced that pharmacists who have completed the required training and work in pharmacies with suitable facilities will be able to offer this service as part of their usual business⁴.

• The NSW Government also expanded eligibility criteria, from women aged18 to 35 years of age to women aged 18 and 49. Eligible women aged between 40 and 49 can also get a three-month pill resupply without seeing a doctor.

• In June 2026 the NSW Government released the final report for the trial which found:

• Participants reported highly positive experiences, with an average score of 91.6 out of 100

• 99.7 per cent of pharmacist consultations followed clinical protocols

• At seven‑day follow‑up, 99 per cent of women did not report any side effects

• 77.8 per cent of patients said cost would not limit access for future use

• Indigenous community members valued the service for its convenience and rapid access, while highlighting the need for continuity of care and tailored support

• No participation occurred in remote or very remote areas, indicating the need for rural‑specific solutions.

PATH-DERM trial

• The dermatology trial resulted in more than 3,200 patient consultations across 470 NSW pharmacies for common skin conditions like impetigo, shingles, mild to moderate eczema and mild psoriasis.

• Following the trial, the NSW Government announced that people with common skin conditions will be able to permanently access treatment from their pharmacist.⁵