Community Pharmacy Gloucestershire is rolling out a new locally commissioned service for the treatment of uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women under 65.

The service allows for the supply of nitrofurantoin via a PGD following a patient referral to the Community Pharmacy Consultation Service for UTI symptoms. No dipstick test is required. Pharmacies receive £6 in addition to the CPCS fee for the supply.

Rebecca Myers, partnerships manager at CPG, says that a point of difference from the other UTI services running in the South West is that the Gloucestershire service requires a follow up phone call with the patient after 5-7 days to ensure resolution.

“The service will run indefinitely. We hope PSNC can get a national service in place that will take over from it,” she said, adding that it is aimed at encouraging referrals to the CPCS “since Gloucestershire has been slow on the take-up”.

Unlike other LPCs in the South West, CPG has not had a PGD-led service for a minor ailment until now. Discussions are underway with commissioners for further “bolt-on” additions to the CPCS for skin conditions.