Pharmacy backs ongoing after-hours nurse trial

BENDIGO UFS View Street Pharmacy has extended its After-Hours Nurse Service trial to the end of the year, offering patients without immediate life threatening ailments an alternative to their general practitioner, Bendigo Health’s emergency department, or the Bendigo Urgent Care Centre.

The service is available from 4pm to 9pm every day of the week and can provide vaccinations, wound care and minor injury treatment, ear, nose, throat and skin assessments, preventative health checks and screenings, plus support for mild illness or allergic reactions.

Bendigo UFS general manager allied health services and engagement Susan Randall said the continuation of the self-funded trial has come about purely due to demand.

“We’ve discovered that it’s still continuing to grow,” she said.

“That’s (partly because) it’s very hard to get to see a GP (in Bendigo) within a few weeks.

“So, when you’re unsure of whether or not you need to see one, the nurse is there to help guide you around timing and priorities of when you need to get that urgent care.

“Often we also find that the Urgent Care Clinic is already booked out from midday, so there’s a (definite) need for this service in the Bendigo region.

“We’re just trying to fill that gap and support people by seeing them face to face and doing a proper assessment.”

The Bendigo UFS After-Hours Nurse Service is available from 4pm to 9pm, seven days a week at 209 View Street.

While walk-ins are accepted, patients can book a consultation via the Bendigo UFS website.