The first 24-hour pharmacy in the western suburbs will open around the clock in Yarraville from next week.
Carnovale Pharmacy will be one of only five Supercare Pharmacies opening 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week, with a nurse joining a chemist on site from 6pm until 10pm.
Other 24-hour clinics will operate at Ascot Vale, Craigieburn, Wantirna South and Ballarat as part of a $28.7 million state government plan, with a further 15 due to open by 2018.
Carnovale Pharmacy proprietor Peter O’Connor said round-the-clock opening will mean people have faster access to treatment, and pressure on hospitals will be relieved.
“Part of it is to ease burdens on emergency departments. It also gives parents who may have a crying baby, or people who are discharged from hospital overnight, an opportunity to see a pharmacist sooner.”
The free evening nursing service will offer health advice, treatment for minor injuries or illness, immunisations, health screenings and referrals to other local services.
Mr O’Connnor said having a nurse on site was going to “dovetail” nicely with a pharmacist being able to dispense medicine at any time of the day.
Health Minister Jill Hennessy said Supercare Pharmacies would help families, shift workers and others who need non-emergency care after hours.
“It can be an awful feeling when your child gets sick in the evening,” she said. “With everything shut, it’s often a choice between sticking it out or a trip to emergency. Our new Supercare Pharmacies will give parents another option and more peace of mind, knowing that round-the-clock care is now available close to home and when they need it.”
Carnovale Pharmacy, at 149 Somerville Road, will be open 24-hours a day from June 30 with the night-time nurse service due to start by August.
