Following high demand, South Australia’s healthcare services are set to be strengthened with the introduction of a fourth 24-hour pharmacy. This new addition comes in response to the success seen at the three existing 24/7 pharmacies which extended their opening hours earlier this year.
Statistics show nearly 120,000 visits have been made to the three 24/7 pharmacies since their opening in February and March. The Salisbury Plain Chemist Warehouse recorded the highest footfall with approximately 70,000 visits, followed by Clovelly Park Chemist Warehouse with over 33,000 visits, and the National Pharmacies in Norwood with more than 15,000 visits during extended hours. The pharmacies collectively distributed over 49,000 prescriptions and handled nearly 5,500 telephone inquiries for health assistance during the extended hours.
The decision to establish a fourth 24-hour pharmacy in the Hallett Cove, Sheidow Park, and Trott Park area was reflected by the successes and high public demand for these existing services. This expansion is part of the SA Government’s $2.5 million annual investment to fulfil an election commitment. The selection of the new pharmacy location will be via a tender process.
The availability of 24/7 pharmacies has significantly contributed to the reduction of unnecessary visits to hospital emergency departments. South Australians have welcomed the convenience of accessing medicines and professional health advice throughout the night. Before the introduction of 24-hour pharmacies, emergency departments and the Urgent Mental Health Care Centre were the only available options for after-hours walk-in health services.
“The need for 24/7 pharmacies in South Australia is clear with so many people taking advantage of this valuable after-hours healthcare service,” shared Peter Malinauskas, the Premier of South Australia.
“The response from the community has been fantastic and we’ve been able to help ever-increasing numbers of patients with their health needs over the past eight months,” said Philip Colasante, Managing Pharmacist at Chemist Warehouse.
The State Government also plans to expand pharmacists’ range of practice as part of its ongoing initiatives to enhance community healthcare services. This would enable South Australians to treat common conditions at a local pharmacy without needing to visit a GP. These measures build on previous successful pharmacy initiatives, allowing easier access to medications for conditions like urinary tract infections and oral contraceptive pills.
For more information, click here.
More News
