A UTI is an infection in any part of the urinary system. The urinary system is made up of two kidneys and two tubes called ureters, which join the kidneys to the bladder. From the bladder another tube, the urethra, carries the urine to outside the body.
Infection most commonly occurs in the bladder (cystitis) but can also occur in the urethra (urethritis), the kidneys (pyelonephritis), or a combination of these.
Infections in the kidneys require evaluation by a doctor or nurse practitioner.
Visit healthdirect for more information on UTIs .
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Symptoms of a UTI may include:
A UTI is usually an uncomplicated UTI when you:
You are more likely to be at risk of a complicated UTI if you:
Pharmacists can only provide advice and treatment for uncomplicated UTIs. If you are displaying any symptoms of a serious infection, your pharmacist will refer you to your doctor (GP) or an emergency department.
Your pharmacist may need to refer you to your doctor (GP) or another health care professional to ensure you get the right treatment at the right time. In an emergency, the pharmacist may also refer you to the Emergency Department.
Pharmacies can choose to provide this service. If they choose to provide the service, they must also meet requirements including completion of additional training, and providing appropriate private consultation area. Not all pharmacists will choose to provide advice or treatment.
Any pharmacist can still advise on pain relief options for UTIs.
Pharmacists can charge a consultation fee for providing this service – this is at the discretion of the pharmacy.
The cost of medications will be the same as a private prescription, with the price determined by the pharmacy and paid for by the patient.
Check with your pharmacist about the cost of consultation and medicines before you agree to receive the service.
Pharmacists must complete additional UTI management training to provide this service.
Participating pharmacists are provided with clear practice standards that instruct them on who is eligible to receive treatment and who must be referred to their doctor (GP) or an Emergency Department.
The standards have been developed in consultation with key stakeholders and are based on international best practice. They have been tested through the NSW Pharmacy Trial for pharmacists managing uncomplicated UTIs, which ran from 15 May 2023 to 31 May 2024.
The University of Newcastle is currently undertaking an independent evaluation of UTI trial data, and will produce a final report for the NSW Ministry of Health in 2025. This information will be used to inform future service delivery models.
The NSW Pharmacy trial continues with resupply of oral contraceptive pills and will soon introduce treatment of minor skin conditions. Refer to NSW Pharmacy Trial for more information.
Any queries or complaints regarding pharmacist supply of UTI medicines or concerns about the appropriateness of consultation areas should be emailed to MOH-PharmaceuticalServices@health.nsw.gov.au.
Concerns about professional practice and care can also be made to the Health Care Complaints Commission or the Pharmacy Council of NSW.
To receive treatment from the pharmacist you will need to provide your name, date of birth, contact details and doctor (GP) name, if you have one.
You will also need to give your consent to receive treatment, if deemed appropriate, and consent for the pharmacist to share your consultation details with your GP.
Any information you provide in your consultation must be stored by the pharmacist using secure digital software, for a period of seven (7) years.
