Ms SPENCE (Yuroke) — (12 278) My constituency question is to the Minister for Health. How has the 24-hour supercare pharmacy in Craigieburn been welcomed by and benefited Yuroke residents? In September last year I was delighted to visit the 24-hour pharmacy at Craigieburn Central to look at the new facilities and speak to staff about the exciting new services that they were able to provide to residents.

Many of us know how scary it can be to have a loved one fall unwell in the early hours of the morning or the late hours of the evening. Sometimes having the peace of mind that the emergency department is not our only option can make all the difference. That is why I was thrilled at the announcement that Craigieburn would be one of the first launch sites for the supercare pharmacies program. I am sure all residents would welcome an update from the minister on this important issue.

Response:

Supercare Pharmacies provide round-the-clock access to pharmacists for advice, supply of medicines and dispensing prescriptions. The 6pm to 10pm nurse provides face-to-face health advice and treatment for minor injury or illness.

Last July, the first five Supercare Pharmacies opened in Ascot Vale, Craigieburn, Wantirna South, Yarraville and Ballarat. Since then, more than 35,000 visits have been made at these pharmacies between 10pm and 7am, with patient numbers growing every month.

Usage of Supercare Pharmacies was especially high during the ‘thunderstorm asthma’ event on Monday 21 November 2016, with one Supercare Pharmacy having an eight-fold increase in patient numbers. Patient feedback from those who have attended Supercare Pharmacies indicates very strong support for both nursing and pharmacy services and for the ability to access services easily with little to no waiting time. Patient feedback also indicates that if the Supercare Pharmacy had not been available, more than 27 per cent of people would have gone to a local hospital.

On the 9 February 2017, the Department of Health and Human Services commenced the tendering process for a further seven Supercare pharmacies due to open by 30 June 2017. A further eight Supercare Pharmacies will open by 30 June 2018, delivering the government’s commitment of 20 Supercare Pharmacies across the state.

I encourage community members to make use of the current Supercare Pharmacies and to keep an eye out for the Supercare Pharmacies that commence operation in June this year and in June 2018.

Hon Jill Hennessy MP
Minister for Health