The Andrews Labor Government has unveiled the final eight locations of its 20 Supercare Pharmacies to help thousands more people get the healthcare and advice they need, round-the-clock and close to home.

Member for Eastern Metropolitan Shaun Leane announced the next local 24-hour Supercare Pharmacies to open by 30 June 2018, delivering on a key election promise will be in Ringwood Chemist Warehouse.

There are currently 12 Supercare Pharmacies across Victoria that are open 24/7 with a nurse on site from 6pm-10pm daily.

Since July 2016, there have been more than 81,000 visits to Supercare Pharmacies between 10pm and 7am.

There have also been more than 5,000 episodes of care provided by nursing staff. Around 30 per cent of Supercare Pharmacy visitors would have gone to hospital if the pharmacy or nursing service had not been available.

Victoria has been hit hard by one of the worst flu seasons, with increasing demand on busy hospital emergency departments and ambulances.

Community pharmacists across Victoria, including Supercare pharmacists, have played a key role in providing convenient access to vaccinations, advice and treatment for people suffering from flu symptoms.

They were also critical during the thunderstorm asthma event last year, and continue to raise awareness of better asthma and hay fever management for the upcoming pollen season.

The free nursing service at Supercare Pharmacies also assists with support and advice for minor injury and illness, flu and whooping cough immunisations, health screening, sexual health advice and referrals to other services.

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Metropolitan Shaun Leane

“Our hospital emergency departments have been under pressure this flu season. Supercare Pharmacies have already started making a real difference, providing another option for families, and helping to ease the load, late at night.”

 “It can be an awful feeling when your child is sick in the middle of night. The Chemist Warehouse Pharmacy in Ringwood will give local families the peace of mind that round-the-clock care is nearby, when they need it most.”