It's after hours and you desperately need some medicine; where do you go?
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Rather than line up at an emergency department, you can go to a 24/7 pharmacy.
National Pharmacies in the Adelaide suburb of Norwood is now open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It's the first of three community pharmacies supported by the South Australian government to extend operating hours around the clock, every day of the year.
The other two - Chemist Warehouse at the Saints Shopping Centre in Salisbury Plain and Chemist Warehouse at Clovelly Park - will begin operating 24/7 in coming weeks.
The three 24/7 pharmacies were selected through a competitive tender process and are located in northern, southern, and central Adelaide to provide the broadest access.
Until now, emergency departments and the Urgent Mental Health Care Centre have been the only walk-in health services open around the clock.
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 will also have added security including on-site security guards overnight.
From March, South Australian women aged 18-65 with uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) will be able to access antibiotic treatment through participating pharmacies.
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.
For more information, go to www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/communitypharmacy
