The UFS Supercare Pharmacy on Sturt Street is the only Supercare Pharmacy in regional Victoria and one of five in the state.

“The first week we saw a steady increase  – we saw a steady increase up until midnight,” UFS Dispensaries chief executive officer Lynne McLennan said.

“The second week when we put it on social media we immediately had over night (customers) so we’ve had someone every hour over night in the second week already so there’s obviously a lot of demand for this service.”

The pharmacy also offers a nightly nurse service from 6 to 10pm.

Ms McLennan said the 24-hour pharmacy and free nightly nursing service will help to filter minor ailments from hospital emergency departments.

“It’s a way of filtering out minor ailments from the emergency department but people coming out of the emergency department with scripts that they really should get filled straight away, they can come and get that script filled so it’s a huge benefit to the community in terms of access,” she said. 

The Sturt Street pharmacy has offered the service for two weeks. 

Health Minister Jill Hennessy said the Supercare Pharmacies offered more options for the community.

“It’s particularly unique because we not only have a pharmacy open 24 hours-to support people, we have a nursing service available,” Ms Hennessy said.

“This Supercare Pharmacy gives families in Ballarat more choice when their child falls sick in the middle of the night.”

Supercare Pharmacy nurses are available for free, face-to-face health advice and treatment for minor injuries or illnesses including wound management, physical assessment, flu and whooping cough immunisations, health screenings, sexual health advice and referrals to other services in the area.