UFS Dispensaries is a member-owned healthcare organisation providing compassionate, first-class medical, pharmacy and well-being services to its members and the wider community.<\/p>\n
Established in 1880 UFS remains true to its original mission, responding to the changing healthcare needs of the communities it serves.<\/p>\n
UFS operates 22 pharmacies, three medical centres, 16 Supercare Nursing services, a day spa, a COVID-19 testing clinic and a COVID-19 vaccination clinic.<\/p>\n
In response to the pandemic, UFS stepped up to support the Ballarat community at the front line by establishing the city\u2019s primary COVID-19 testing clinic to help keep the community safe and more recently a COVID-19 vaccination clinic has also been established.<\/p>\n
During a period of unprecedented demand for emergency relief support, UFS made record donations totalling $100,000 agencies to support those most affected by the pandemic.<\/p>\n
Significant changes were made to the way pharmacies operated to ensure that the community could continue to receive the medication they needed, including an expanded delivery service, online store and MedAdvisor App.<\/p>\n
UFS Medical centres continue to provide high quality services on-site at the three Ballarat locations and telehealth services were introduced to meet the needs of those unable to attend in person.<\/p>\n
The Supercare Nursing Services operated by UFS in 16 pharmacies across Victoria provided critical afterhours access to healthcare, supporting patients with minor ailments and illnesses when GP practices were not operating, and funnelling patients away from crowded hospital emergency departments.<\/p>\n
It was great to see the amazing collaboration between Ballarat businesses as the impacts of the pandemic were being felt far and wide.<\/p>\n
Haymes Paint generously donated hand sanitiser in bulk when supply was critically low, and when cinemas and attractions were forced to close, Regent Multiplex, Showbiz DTC and Sovereign Hill loaned their bollards for use in pharmacies.<\/p>\n
A number of casual staff from Sovereign Hill were able to be re-deployed at UFS sites.<\/p>\n
UFS also collaborated with Ballarat Community Health and Ballarat Health Services with COVID testing services, particularly during the peak testing blitz.<\/p>\n
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