Expanding Specialist Services to SA Ambulance Service’s Rural Sites
SA Ambulance Service (SAAS) is an integral part of the South Australian health system, providing medical assistance, treatment and transport, delivering the highest quality of patient care to the people of South Australia.
SAAS has been a valued client of the HPS Group for many years, and recently renewed their service contract to extend pharmacy services to their 20 rural sites across the state.
Agnes Gower, Site Manager – Alexander Avenue is proud to have enjoyed a strong working relationship with SAAS that has spanned over 20 years.
“The long-standing relationship is based on a mutual respect, and focuses on the provision of a highly professional and tailored pharmacy service,” she says.
“The HPS Group’s network of pharmacies has always been responsive and understanding of the unique service offered by SA Ambulance Service, and take a collaborative approach to the delivery of pharmacy services.”
Peter Hayball, Senior Pharmacist at SAAS, explains HPS’ determination to deliver more than a generic pharmacy service.
“The HPS Group’s network of pharmacies employ highly motivated staff that are willing to go above and beyond. Ian Tindall, one of HPS’ Senior Pharmacists, shares a rich history with SAAS, and has extensive experience having previously been involved in delivering consultancy services to the paramedics.”
“SA Ambulance Service benefit from unlimited advice and expertise in the provision of specialist pharmaceuticals,” says Ian Tindall.
“The HPS Group has an extensive distribution network, ensuring timely delivery to meet the client’s unique needs.”
Peter says the HPS Group’s network of pharmacies are able to provide a more tailored range of products that are able to meet SAAS’s requirements as a state-wide provider of services in the pre-hospital environment.
“At SAAS we have redesigned our controlled substances system, from ordering through to delivery, and ultimately patient use. The HPS Group’s network of pharmacies are an integral part of this process in assisting us to get controlled substances in a timely and efficient manner to ambulances across South Australia.”
Agnes Gower believes the relationship’s success can be attributed to the collective and varied experience within the healthcare sphere.
“We have a mutual understanding of each other’s business models and requirements, and the factors influencing the provision of an efficient and effective pharmacy service,” she says.
Peter is enthusiastic for the future of SAAS in engaging with the HPS Group, and is currently in discussions to expand the range of specialist products that are sourced from the HPS Group, given the success of previous ventures of this nature.
“We are once again delighted to work with the HPS Group in a working relationship that is highly valued across SAAS. As the emergency ambulance arm of SA Health, we at SAAS are committed to patient safety and ensuring our patients receive treatment of the highest order that is evidence-based and consensus-driven.”
This sentiment is further highlighted by Dominic Coppola, the HPS Group’s Regional Operations Manager – SA/NT.
“This contract represents the reuniting of two healthcare organisations whose visions are well aligned. Our service model has transitioned over time to adjust for the changing needs of SA Ambulance Service, and the HPS Group’s network of pharmacies is dedicated to continuing to deliver a responsive and high quality pharmacy service, underpinned by HPS’ knowledge and service specialities. We look forward to a fruitful future with the Service.”