Pharmacy Daily | SA’s first 24-hour National pharmacy

NATIONAL Pharmacies will open its first 24/7 pharmacy in Adelaide as part of a State Govt initiative to provide South Australians with around-the-clock access to pharmacy services and medicines.

The National Pharmacies Norwood store will service the central Adelaide region and is one of three pharmacies selected through a competitive tender process to provide 24/7 pharmacy services across metropolitan Adelaide from early next year.

The SA State Govt is investing $2.5 million a year to fund the initiative.

The group's CEO Vito Borrello said, "National Pharmacies congratulates the State Govt for supporting South Australians to access prescription medications and pharmacy services and advice when they need it, day or night".

"Our key purpose is to care for people and we are proud to be providing our community with access to after-hours pharmacy services and advice at a time when they may need it most," he said.

The Malinauskas Labor Govt stated that the 24/7 pharmacies will help to reduce avoidable presentations to busy hospital emergency departments by providing access to medicines, pharmacy services and advice.

SA Premier Peter Malinauskas added, "people get sick at any time of day and having prompt access to medication and trusted health advice is vital".

The state's Health and Wellbeing Minister Chris Picton said, "lack of access to pharmacies after hours is a concern that is raised by many families, and often leaves people with nowhere else to turn but emergency departments".

"This is not only inconvenient for them, but places extra strain on our busy emergency departments."

A pharmacist will be on staff 24 hours a day at each of the chosen three pharmacies with on-site and overnight security guards. JG

Pictured (L-R): State Labor MP Nadia Clancy, Borrello, Picton, Malinauskas and National Pharmacies General Manager Health Services Sam Laing.