24-7 pharmacy plan to start in new year (2024)

South Australians can now access round-the-clock care at three community pharmacies, with Chemist Warehouse extending operating hours to 24/7 at two of its sites in the north and south of Adelaide.

The pharmacies – located at the Saints Shopping Centre in Salisbury Plain and on South Road at Clovelly Park – follow closely on the heels of National Pharmacies in Norwood which became the state’s first 24/7 pharmacy last month.

SA Health Chief Pharmacist Naomi Burgess said the three pharmacies chosen would ensure as many people as possible across Adelaide could access these services after hours.

“This initiative complements the range of other recent South Australian government community pharmacy commitments which recognise the expertise and the key role of our pharmacists, supporting them to provide the community with the best possible health services,” Ms Burgess said.

National Pharmacies CEO Vito Borrello acknowledged the support of the State Government in supporting the Norwood store in becoming the first of the three 24-7 pharmacies.

"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," Mr Borrello said.

The State Government has invested $2.5 million a year to fund the initiative.

A pharmacist will be on staff 24 hours a day at each of the three pharmacies to provide specialist health advice, dispense medicines and provide professional pharmacy services.

The three pharmacies also have added security including on-site security guards overnight.

The state’s first 24-hour pharmacy – National Pharmacies at Norwood – has reported strong demand for after-hours medication and health advice, with more than 1400 people visiting the store from 10pm to 8am since launching 24/7 services on 4 February.

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