First-of-its-kind partnership brings GP care to pharmacy doors around the clock

National Pharmacies has partnered with a primary healthcare provider to offer consumers 24/7 access to GPs, following a successful trial highlighting the growing need for after-hours healthcare.

Operating 46 pharmacies across South Australia, Victoria, and New South Wales, National Pharmacies has now introduced TeleWell – a telehealth service launched in partnership with Partnered Health, a provider of established GP and allied health services. This is a private service, and consults are not eligible for bulk billing or Medicare rebates.

National Pharmacies CEO, Vito Borrello, said “National Pharmacies is delighted to partner with Partnered Health to provide our members and customers access to expert healthcare when it’s needed most and help relieve pressure on our health system.

“We know from demand for our 24/7 pharmacy that health emergencies can occur any time of the day or night, and now, with TeleWell, we will be able to provide full-circle, quality healthcare that is patient-centred and links to your local expert pharmacist.”

The findings of a recent study indicate Australians are increasingly open to blended models of healthcare. While in-person consultations remain the preferred option, virtual services are seen as valuable when they reduce travel time and involve a doctor that the patient knows. Affordability is also a significant factor – when telehealth is delivered with minimal out-of-pocket costs, its appeal rises sharply.

National Pharmacies is the first community pharmacy group to offer access to TeleWell, reinforcing its ongoing investment in accessible healthcare after opening South Australia’s first 24/7 community pharmacy last year.

A six-month trial of the TeleWell service found that 40% of customers used the platform outside regular hours – after 8pm on weekdays and after 6pm on weekends – highlighting the unmet demand for after-hours care.

Through TeleWell, GPs can offer diagnosis, treatment, and prescriptions, which are sent electronically to the customer’s local National Pharmacies store.

Partnered Health Medical Centres Chief Medical Officer, Dr Shirley Fung, said “Partnered Health and National Pharmacies share a commitment to caring for people and enabling access to quality healthcare. That’s why we have partnered to offer greater access to high-quality online care through TeleWell.

“We take the time to support patients with clinical expertise and, with their consent, link back to their regular GPs and pharmacists to ensure continuity and the highest standard of care.”

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