Palliative Care Medicines Pharmacy Network – SA initiative

Getting palliative medicines quickly should not depend on luck or distance. The Palliative Care Medicines Pharmacy Network is a South Australian initiative designed to make sure families can find a nearby community pharmacy that stocks the core medicines used in palliative care, so symptoms can be managed without distressing delays.

What is the network?

It is a network of participating community pharmacies across South Australia that commit to keeping a defined range of core palliative care medicines in stock. The idea is simple but important: by identifying and supporting pharmacies that reliably carry these medicines, the initiative reduces the chance that a patient or carer is left searching when a medicine is urgently needed. Pharmacies in the network are a known, dependable place to obtain palliative medicines promptly.

Why it exists

Many palliative medicines are not routine stock items, and some are controlled drugs with extra handling requirements, so an ordinary pharmacy may need to order them in. For someone managing a loved one’s symptoms at home, even a short delay can mean unnecessary distress. A coordinated network means prescribers and families know which pharmacies are equipped, and those pharmacies are ready to help, improving access across the state.

Who is it for?

It is for South Australians receiving palliative care and their carers, and for the GPs, palliative care services, and community nurses who support them. If you or someone you care for is receiving palliative care in South Australia, your care team can point you to a network pharmacy near you.

How it works

If you are in South Australia and caring for someone receiving palliative care, ask your palliative care team or GP about pharmacies in the network, or use this directory to find one nearby. A network pharmacy can typically supply core palliative medicines without the wait of ordering them in, and support carers with clear advice on how to give them. As with any palliative medicine, it is still wise to plan ahead and phone for a specific, less common item.

For carers

Identify a network pharmacy early, before you are in urgent need, and keep its details alongside your palliative care team’s contacts. The pharmacists are there to help you manage medicines confidently; ask them anything, including questions that feel small.

When to contact the care team or emergency services

For changes in symptoms or distress, contact your palliative care team or community nursing service, which usually has after-hours arrangements. For an emergency, call Triple Zero (000) and mention that the person is receiving palliative care so their wishes and care plan are respected.

How it’s regulated in Australia

This is a South Australian health initiative, so it is specific to that state, delivered through community pharmacies regulated by the Pharmacy Board of Australia and operating under South Australian medicines law, including the rules for controlled medicines commonly used in palliative care. It complements the broader, national palliative care guidance from Palliative Care Australia and CareSearch.

Official sources

• SA Health
• Palliative Care Australia

Use the button below to find a pharmacy associated with palliative care medicines access near you, and ask your South Australian care team about the network.