The National Pharmacies store in Norwood is now operating 24 hours a day after its official opening by National Pharmacies CEO Vito Borrello, Premier Peter Malinauskas and Health and Wellbeing Minister Chris Picton.
Norwood National Pharmacies will service the central Adelaide region 24/7 and is the first of three community pharmacies to open around-the-clock under a State Government initiative.
The State Government has invested $2.5 million a year to fund the initiative which will help to reduce avoidable presentations to busy hospital emergency departments.
“Norwood National Pharmacies is leading the way in providing Adelaide families and individuals an immediate gateway to manage personal health and wellbeing every hour of every day, while also benefitting the wider health network,” said Mr Borrello.
“Our professional team of pharmacists are now available 24/7 to provide health advice and dispense time-critical medications, including pain relief for sick children and antivirals for COVID and Shingles, allowing for rapid treatment and recovery of illnesses that require prompt management,” he said.
Mr Borrello acknowledged the State Government for improving access to community pharmacy services.
“This is a game-changer for South Australian families and will also relieve pressure on our busy hospitals,” said Mr Malinauskas.
If someone gets sick in the middle of the night and needs quick access to medicine or health advice, they can now go to a 24-hour pharmacy instead of the ED.
Mr Picton said, “The added introduction of improved access to UTI treatment and a resupply of the Pill will also provide a major boost to women’s healthcare, putting patients first and providing faster access to support, while helping to ease pressure on hospital emergency departments and wait times to see a GP.”
From next month, South Australian women aged 18-65 with uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) will be able to access antibiotic treatment through participating pharmacies. And from May, eligible women will also be able to visit a local pharmacy to access a resupply of their oral contraceptive pill, without needing a doctor’s appointment or prescription.
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