SOUTH Australia's first 24/7 pharmacy has helped more than 25,000 people and dispensed more than 12,500 prescriptions after hours since opening one year ago.
The National Pharmacies Norwood store was the first of three community pharmacies to open under a State Government initiative extending operating hours to 24 hours, seven days per week.
Salbutamol inhaler (for asthma), antibiotics and pain relief were the prescription medicines in highest demand after hours.
Pharmacists also provided women with more than 70 consultations after hours for Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs).
In addition to helping in-store customers, after-hour pharmacists took an average of around eight calls a night over the past year, with most callers seeking advice on interactions between medications and treatment for minor ailments such as gastroenteritis, bites, rashes and burns.
Health and Wellbeing Minister Chris Picton said customer feedback indicated about 20% of visitors to the state's three 24-hour pharmacies would have visited an emergency department if the 24/7 pharmacy was not available.
"It's fantastic that our first-ever 24-hour pharmacy has helped so many people in the eastern suburbs receive quick, professional health care when they need it close to home," Picton said.
"This service provides such convenience and reassurance for South Australians needing health advice or medicines in the middle of the night, while also keeping pressure off our busy hospital emergency departments."
National Pharmacies Chief Pharmacist Bec Rogers (pictured above, assisting a family) said the largest groups of after hours customers were woman and those aged 51 to 60, with families also heavily represented.
"Among those seeking help late at night, or early in the morning, were a new mum recently discharged from hospital with her baby, a parent needing antibiotics for a child's ear infection, and three flight passengers with missing luggage needing urgent prescriptions filled," Rogers said.
The success of the 24/7 pharmacy initiative has led the government to expand the service to a fourth pharmacy (PD 09 Jan). KB
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