NORWOOD National Pharmacies is the first community pharmacy to open its doors 24/7 under a South Australian Govt initiative to increase access to healthcare.
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 central Adelaide and is the first of three community pharmacies to open round-the-clock under the initiative.
The State Govt has invested $2.5 million a year to fund the initiative which will help to reduce avoidable presentations to busy hospital emergency departments.
Acknowledging the State Govt for improving access to many community pharmacy services, Borrello said "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 benefiting the wider health network".
"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."
Premier Malinauskas commented that this initiative is "a game-changer for South Australian families and will also relieve pressure on our busy hospitals".
"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."
Minister Picton added the introduction of improved access to uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) treatment and a resupply of the contraceptive 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 UTIs will be able to access antibiotic treatment through participating community pharmacies.
And from May this year, 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. JG
Pictured (L-R): National Pharmacies Chief Pharmacist Bec Rogers, Premier Peter Malinauskas, National Pharmacies CEO Vito Borrello, and Health and Wellbeing Minister Chris Picton.
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