Image via Peter Malinauskas
The state government is moving to expand South Australia’s 24/7 pharmacy network, with three more round-the-clock locations set to open next year across the Adelaide Hills, the western suburbs and the north-eastern suburbs.
The move is designed to give more people access to medicines and urgent healthcare advice at any hour, while helping ease pressure on the state’s busy hospital system.
Pharmacies in Mount Barker, the western suburbs and the north-east that are capable of delivering the service can now register their interest through Tender SA ahead of the formal procurement process.
If selected, the new sites will join the existing 24/7 pharmacies at Norwood, Hallett Cove, Salisbury Plains and Clovelly Park, which already provide overnight access to medicines and healthcare seven days a week, including public holidays.
It is the latest sign of just how heavily the service is being used.
Since the first 24/7 pharmacy opened in February 2024, more than 600,000 people have used the service and almost 250,000 prescriptions have been dispensed during extended overnight hours. Expert pharmacists have also handled more than 22,000 phone calls, while government figures show 22 per cent of users say they would have gone to an emergency department if the pharmacy had not been available.
Before 24/7 pharmacies were introduced in South Australia, emergency departments and Urgent Mental Health Care Centres were the only walk-in health services open all day and all night. Now, the state is leaning further into community pharmacy as a frontline healthcare option, particularly for people who need advice, treatment or medication outside normal hours.
Premier Peter Malinauskas said the pharmacies were already making a clear difference.
“Round-the-clock pharmacies are playing an increasingly important role in our health system by giving people immediate access to expert care and medicines, easing demand on hospitals and emergency services,” he said.
“Every day we see how much these services matter, particularly for people who need urgent advice or medicines outside normal hours.”
The expansion also comes as South Australia broadens the role of pharmacists more generally. The government is subsidising extra training for 120 pharmacists to help them diagnose and treat 17 mild and acute conditions, including ear infections, gastro, shingles, reflux and hormonal contraception. Five pharmacists have already completed the required qualification and are preparing to begin offering those services, with more expected to roll out later this year as additional training is completed.
Health Minister Blair Boyer said the new pharmacies would mean more care closer to home.
“These pharmacies provide not only convenience and reassurance for South Australians needing health advice or medicines in the middle of the night but also help to keep pressure off our busy hospital emergency departments,” he said.
