What are the opening hours?

Monday 9am - 5:30pm Tuesday 9am - 5:30pm Wednesday 9am - 5:30pm Thursday 9am - 5:30pm Friday 9am - 5:30pm Saturday 9am - 12pm

https://www.facebook.com/114306317015268/

UFS Dispensaries Ltd, 69 Victoria Street, Ballarat (2025)

20/06/2024

🔹Upgrades to our pharmacies🔹

The coming months will see the introduction of the new UFS brand at all of our UFS Pharmacies followed by UFS Medical Centres. This will include new internal and external signage, updated staff uniforms, refreshed websites and many other elements.
If you’d like to stay up-to-date with our progress, please keep an eye on this page.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact UFS Head Office on 03 5327 777.

19/06/2024

For more than 140 years, UFS has been trusted to provide high quality healthcare to multiple generations. We have remained committed to evolving and adapting to the needs of our community, which is why UFS is still here, caring for you today.

Beginning with a name change in 2023 from UFS Dispensaries to UFS Healthcare, to better reflect the range of services we now provide, we are now introducing a new brand which complements this change. Our new brand embodies care, health, community and compassion. It reflects our deep connection to the community nurtured over more than a century. At the core of our new symbol lies an abstract heart shape symbolising health and care, with two merging shapes creating the image of hands in a nurturing gesture.

Over the coming months you’ll notice the introduction of our new brand at our UFS Pharmacies and UFS Medical Centres. We’ve also updated and improved our digital resources, and would love you to visit our refreshed websites: ufs.com.au and ufsmedical.com.au.

UFS will never waver in our commitment to empowering people to live longer, healthier lives. We hope you’re as excited as we are to witness this transition to an improved UFS Healthcare.

16/06/2024

This week is World Continence Week, providing an important opportunity to talk openly about an issue that is often kept quiet. Incontinence is defined as the involuntary loss of bladder and bowel control. Many people affected feel too embarrassed to seek help, not realising that it is an extremely common health concern. In fact over 5 million Australians - 1 in 4 people aged over 15 years - experience incontinence. But there is good news. With the right help, incontinence can be better managed, treated, and sometimes even cured.

Often the hardest thing to do is to take the first step to seek help. A great option is to make an appointment with a GP who can offer expert advice about the cause of your issue and the treatments available.

There is also a range of specialised products available, designed to increase your quality of life and make everyday activities as normal as possible. Don’t hesitate to visit your local UFS pharmacy, where our pharmacists are happy to offer advice and assistance.

In a nutshell, the message of World Continence Week is clear – ask for help!

To make an appointment with a GP head to ufsmedical.com.au/book or to find your nearest UFS pharmacy head to ufs.com.au/locations.

14/06/2024

Our Ballarat Priority Primary Care Centre/Medicare Urgent Care Clinic is looking for GPs interested in working in a dynamic urgent care setting supported by a skilled nursing and administration team.

If you would like flexibility of hours, including evenings and weekends, with generous remuneration and training, please contact Kerri Gordon, Head of Medical & Allied Health – UFS Healthcare at kerrigordon@ufs.com.au or on 5327 7749.

13/06/2024

👉GREAT VALUE HEALTH INSURANCE

Looking for great value health insurance? UFS Members enjoy an ongoing 7.5% discount with Australian Unity. Plus, get a quote by 30 June for your chance to take off with a $5,000 travel voucher!!

Head to australianunity.com.au/ufs for more information.

T&C’s apply.

12/06/2024

What’s most important to you when looking for a new GP? 🩺
🔹Vast experience?
🔹World-class qualifications?
🔹Kindness and compassion?

Meet Dr Javed Ahmad from our Windermere Street UFS Medical Centre. Dr Ahmad’s experience and qualifications are matched only by his friendly disposition and commitment to patient care.

Splitting his time between General Practice, the Ballarat Priority Primary Care Centre (Medicare Urgent Care Clinic) and the Ballarat Base Emergency Department, Dr Ahmad’s passion for medicine is impressive. Equally impressive is Dr Ahmad’s academic achievements with two specialist fellowship qualifications in General Practice in Australia, a postgraduate Advanced Emergency Medicine Diploma from the Australasian College of Emergency Medicine, and two General Surgery postgraduate qualifications from the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (UK) and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Pakistan.

Dr Ahmad’s special interests cover all aspects of general practice including chronic and complex disease management, men’s, women’s, and children’s health, mental health, preventive care, surgical procedures and iron infusions.

To make an appointment with Dr Ahmad, please call (03) 5331 2522 or visit ufsmedical.com.au/book

11/06/2024

UFS, the healthcare brand you’ve known and trusted for over 140 years, is about to enter an exciting new era. Stay tuned…

10/06/2024

❗LAST CHANCE TO ENTER❗

Don’t miss out on your opportunity to win an indulgent, relaxing getaway, thanks to our latest UFS catalogue. Get your entry in before this Thursday, June 13! The lucky winner will receive:

🌳2 weekend nights' accommodation for two in the luxurious Hepburn Springs Escape Villa.

💚Private wellness mineral bath to share.

🍓🥖 Regional tasting platter of local produce at the historic Hepburn Pavilion café.
Hamper filled with unique ingredients sourced from the Hepburn and Daylesford region in guest’s room upon arrival.

💰$350 Eftpos card.

*Make a purchase of any value (excluding prescriptions) and subscribe to the UFS email mailing list by completing an entry form in-store. Existing subscribers who make a purchase are also eligible to enter. Sales of all scheduled medications must be in accordance with pharmacy regulations and company policy. Competition runs 18 April -13 June 2024. For full T&Cs refer to ufs.com.au/competition

10/06/2024

International Men's Health Week celebrates its 30th anniversary this year and takes place from Monday, June 10, to Sunday, June 16, 2024. This year, the focus is on Men's Health Checks.

Research shows that men are far less likely to regularly visit their doctor, going only when they are seriously ill.

Men's Health Week is a great reminder to men and boys that their health is important. Good nutrition, regular exercise, annual GP checkups and maintaining social connections are all crucial in maintaining your health but are often neglected. This week, remind the special males in your life (even if that means reminding yourself!) that their health is important and needs to be a priority.

UFS Pharmacy can help with blood pressure checks, cholesterol testing, vaccinations and much more. It’s also a great idea to make an appointment with your GP to a general check-up and chat about any concerns you may have. Head to ufs.com.au for more information about our pharmacy services or ufs.medical.com.au/book to make a time to see your GP.

09/06/2024

The King’s Birthday Public Holiday is tomorrow, Monday, June 10. Please note our Sturt Street UFS Pharmacy will be open from 7am-11pm and the Ballarat Priority Primary Care Centre (PPCC) is open 10am to 10pm for urgent care that’s not an emergency.

For more information, please visit ufs.com.au/locations or ufsmedical.com.au/ppcc

08/06/2024

❗6 WEEKS FREE❗

Looking for great value health insurance? UFS members enjoy an ongoing 7.5% discount with Australian Unity. Plus land 6 weeks free when you join hospital & extras cover OR extras only cover by 30 June 2024.

VISIT> australianunity.com.au/ufs

T&C’s apply.

07/06/2024

Unfortunately the Supercare Nursing Service, located at our Sturt Street UFS Pharmacy will be unavailable tonight, June 7, due to staff illness. However The Ballarat Priority Primary Care Centre (Medicare Urgent Care Clinic) is open from 10am to 10pm every day of the year, for urgent medical care when it’s not an emergency. Located at 4 Windermere St, Ballarat. Visit www.ballaratppcc.com.au for more information.

05/06/2024

❗Do you need urgent medical care?❗

The Ballarat Priority Primary Care Centre (Medicare Urgent Care) is open from 10am to 10pm every day of the year, for urgent medical care when it’s not an emergency. If you can’t wait for an appointment with your GP, and your condition is not serious or life-threatening, consider attending the PPCC at 4 Windermere St, Ballarat.

• No charge for treatment whether you have a Medicare card or not
• Walk-in
• Long operating hours
• Open 7 days

When you have an injury or illness that is life-threatening (eg. chest pain/tightness, breathing difficulties) call triple zero (000) or go to your nearest emergency department.

Visit www.ballaratppcc.com.au for more information.

01/06/2024

Unfortunately due to staff illnesses, the Ballarat Priority Primary Care Centre/Medicare Urgent Care Clinic is unable to open today (Saturday 1 June) until 5pm.

Other options for urgent medical care include:
- Phone Nurse on Call 1300 60 60 24
- Speak to a Pharmacist - the UFS Pharmacy at 717 Sturt Street is open 7am- 11pm
- Visit an after-hours medical clinic
- Find a local medical practitioner here: http://ow.ly/64Tw50H5R8m

For chest pain or any other emergency, please call 000 or visit your nearest hospital Emergency Department.

Our apologies for the inconvenience.

01/06/2024

Migraine Awareness Month is a global event held in June each year, raising awareness of migraine and reducing the stigma that migraine is 'just a headache'. Unfortunately that’s still a common misconception but the reality is that migraine is actually a very complex genetic neurological disorder. It’s certainly not something that paracetamol and a lie down will fix!

A lot of what we know about migraine is rapidly changing, meaning that regular contact with your doctor and pharmacist is essential to ensure your treatment plan is effective and up-to-date. If you suspect yourself or a loved one is suffering from migraine or you were diagnosed a long time ago and need information on recent advancements, get in touch with your healthcare providers as soon as possible. Relief from this debilitating condition is possible and UFS Healthcare is here to help.

Book an appointment with a GP at a UFS Medical Centre by visiting ufsmedical.com.au/book or locate your local UFS Pharmacy at ufs.com.au/locations.

30/05/2024

We’re looking for a customer service superstar!

UFS Healthcare is seeking an exceptional leader to guide the team in our dedicated Phone Hub, located at the Sebastopol UFS Medical Centre in Ballarat. This Phone Hub manages incoming calls for our Medical Centres.

🔹About UFS Healthcare
UFS Healthcare is a not-for-profit healthcare company committed to empowering more people to live longer, healthier lives. Established in 1880, we have been operating health services for over 140 years. As a mutual organisation owned by our members, we invest our profits back into the business for the benefit of more than 100,000 members, as well as our patients, customers, and the wider community.

This is a key role within our organisation and your responsibilities will include
• Leading and managing the Phone Hub team
• Ensuring services are delivered in accordance with agreed standards, guidelines, and procedures
• Managing rostering and reporting
• Providing support with answering calls
• Assisting patients
• Overseeing all other functions of the Phone Hub including administrative tasks

About you

• Excellent communication skills
• Previous experience leading a small team
• Previous experience in the medical industry
• Highly organised
• Positive attitude and excellent customer service skills
• Demonstrated integrity, and commitment to the purpose and guiding principles of UFS.

Full time shifts from Monday to Friday. Located in Sebastopol.

For more information, a position description, or to apply go to ufs.com.au/careers

29/05/2024

If you or a loved one has recently been diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes, you are not alone. Almost 1.2 million Australians are living with the condition.

It is a complex medical condition requiring careful ongoing management to avoid serious short-term and long-term health complications. Many people find their diagnosis scary, confronting and overwhelming. There is so much to learn about medications, diet, lifestyle and technology and every person requires a tailored diabetes management plan to address their unique circumstances.

The BEST thing you can do for yourself is seek help and support. Surround yourself with a team of experienced and knowledgeable medical professionals. A key member of this team will be your Diabetes Educator.

Here at UFS Medical we have the privilege of welcoming Elizabeth Kinnersly to our team. Liz is a Credentialed Diabetes Educator who has a special interest in Type 2 Diabetes and enjoys working with adults to help them understand and manage their condition and to live well with diabetes every day.

Liz is also a Nurse Practitioner with a Master of Advanced Nursing Practice (Nurse Practitioner) allowing advanced practice in diabetes education and management. Liz offers a rare level of advanced qualifications and experience, and is ready to help you manage your diabetes.

Liz works every Monday from Windermere Street UFS Medical. Please call 5331 2522 to arrange an appointment.

Liz works every Tuesday from Sebastopol UFS Medical. Please call 5327 0420 to arrange an appointment.

To read more about UFS Medical’s Diabetes Education services, please visit ufs.com.au/diabetes-education

29/05/2024

💄CALLING ALL MAKEUP LOVERS💄

Do you feel like your current makeup routine is a little tired and needs some fresh inspiration? Here's your chance to learn new application techniques, get expert advice on what suits your face and learn all about the latest Napoleon Perdis products!

Be quick to book in your customised one-hour makeup lesson with a Napoleon Perdis expert. Places are strictly limited so call now to avoid disappointment.

💄COST - $99 *Which is fully redeemable on Napoleon Perdis purchases on the day
💄DATE - June 21
💄TIME - 5 lessons available – 10am, 11am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm and 2.30pm
💄BONUS – Spend over $99 on Napoleon Perdis products on the day and receive a FREE 7- piece gift

☎️HOW TO BOOK - To Book your lesson call the Bridge Mall UFS Pharmacy on 5327 0400

29/05/2024

Do you need help managing multiple medications? 💊💊💊💊💊

If you choose to use the UFS Medication Packing Service, your medication sachets, also known as dose administration aids, come in a handy dispenser and can include up to 10 different tablets per sachet, per dose time, for the week, and can be prepared either weekly or fortnightly for you.

Each sachet is clearly labelled with

• Your name
• The date and day of the week
• Your dose time
• Names of the medicines
• The quantity you take of each tablet

Some of the benefits for having your medications packed for you include:
• Easy to check to see if medication has been taken
• Reduces errors in your medication
• Eliminates stress and time needed to manage your own medications and scripts with the help of your pharmacy
• Convenient and portable
• Peace of mind for family and loved ones

Your medication pack can be collected from any UFS Pharmacy, or delivery is possible for some patients.

To locate your nearest UFS Pharmacy head to ufs.com.au

27/05/2024

Are you doing everything you can to avoid COVID-19?

Victoria is experiencing an increase in COVID-19 in the community, with growing numbers of people being hospitalised with the virus.

Follow these six steps to help stay ahead of COVID-19:
1. Wear a mask: a high-quality and well-fitted mask can protect you and others from the virus.

2. Get vaccinated: stay up to date with your COVID-19 vaccine. UFS offers the most up-to-date COVID-19 vaccines which are highly effective at preventing severe disease. You should get a booster if you fit within one of the recommended groups determined by ATAGI. Click this link to check whether you should be getting a booster: https://www.health.gov.au/news/atagi-update-on-the-covid-19-vaccination-program

3. Let fresh air in: open windows and doors when you can – it reduces the spread of the virus. Meet outside when possible.

4. Get tested: if you have symptoms, take a rapid antigen test. If you test positive and are eligible for antivirals, take them as soon as possible.

5. Stay at home if you are unwell: if you have COVID-19, you should stay at home for at least five days and until you have no symptoms. Speak to your GP if symptoms worsen.

6. Take antivirals if eligible: if you are at risk of falling very sick, you may be eligible for COVID-19 antiviral medicines. You must take these within 5 days of developing symptoms - the sooner the better. Chat to your GP for more information.

Head to ufs.com.au/covid to find a UFS Pharmacy offering COVID-19 Vaccinations, or to make an appointment with a GP at a UFS Medical Centre go to ufsmedical.com.au/book

26/05/2024

🥜🥚🍞🥝🥛
Food Allergy Week is an important initiative of Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia, aiming to raise awareness of food allergies in Australia. Awareness and education helps to reduce the risk of allergic reactions and effectively treat potentially life-threatening emergencies when they happen.

❗️BE AWARE❗️
Australia has one of the highest incidences of food allergy in the world and this is increasing at an alarming rate; in fact, there has been a 7% year on year increase in food allergy fatalities over the last 15 years, and one in every 10 babies born in Australia will develop a food allergy.

With no known cure for food allergy, awareness and education are most important, as an allergic reaction can quickly become life threatening. A severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) must be treated as a medical emergency.

It’s important for all of us to be aware of food allergies, know the signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction and know how to respond in an emergency.

❓HOW CAN UFS HELP❓
Diagnosis of your food allergy is the first step. If you or a family member are showing any worrying symptoms, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with one of our GPs at UFS Medical. Following diagnosis, you’ll need ongoing support and advice to manage your allergy safely and effectively. Our pharmacists are always happy to answer your questions and offer advice on any medications you may require.

UFS Medical also has an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) Sally Fyffe, who can provide practical guidance on managing your diet and allergy risks. Sally has a special interest in the management of Food Intolerance and Food Allergies, including the Royal Price Alfred Hospital (RPAH) Elimination Diet and can assist in supporting a change in diet to reduce symptoms such as gut or IBS symptoms, skin, airway or behavioural issues in both children and adults. Food intolerance is a complicated area that requires knowledge of what foods are made up of and how to manage these to improve symptom management.

👉Find out more about UFS Medical’s services or make an appointment by visiting ufsmedical.com.au. For your local UFS Pharmacy go to ufs.com.au/locations

24/05/2024

Diabetes, in all its forms, is a complex medical condition requiring careful ongoing management to avoid serious short-term and long-term health complications. It can be overwhelming. The balance of medications, diet, lifestyle and technology isn’t easy to navigate but UFS Medical is here to help.

Diabetes Educators are an important link between you and the other members of your health care team. We are thrilled to have Elizabeth Kinnersly join us, to offer additional expertise to our diabetes management team.

Liz is a Credentialed Diabetes Educator who enjoys working with adults to help them understand and manage their condition and to live well with diabetes every day.
Liz is also a Nurse Practitioner with a Master of Advanced Nursing Practice (Nurse Practitioner) allowing advanced practice in diabetes education and management. Liz can work with established Type 1 Diabetes and Gestational Diabetes, liaising with endocrinology. Liz offers a rare level of advanced qualifications and experience, and is ready to help you manage your diabetes.

Liz works every Monday from Windermere Street UFS Medical. Please call 5331 2522 to arrange an appointment.

Liz works every Tuesday from Sebastopol UFS Medical. Please call 5327 0420 to arrange an appointment.

To read more, please visit ufs.com.au/diabetes-education

23/05/2024

😷Cases of Influenza are rising. Are you vaccinated yet?

Being vaccinated with the current year's flu vaccine is your best protection from Influenza. The flu shot changes every year to match different strains of the virus that are circulating. Now that flu season is upon us, it’s vital that you do everything you can to protect yourself and your loved ones from becoming seriously unwell. For more information about Influenza and flu vaccinations, head to ufs.com.au/flu.

Flu vaccinations are now readily available at most UFS pharmacies. Simply go to ufs.com.au/flu, select your preferred pharmacy and book an appointment.

PARTICIPATING PHARMACIES
Bacchus Marsh Village UFS Pharmacy
Bacchus Marsh UFS Pharmacy
Ballan UFS Pharmacy
Beaufort UFS Pharmacy
Bridge Mall UFS Pharmacy
Buninyong UFS Pharmacy
Delacombe UFS Pharmacy
Doveton Street South UFS Pharmacy
Hardy’s UFS Pharmacy
Melton South UFS Pharmacy
Melton Central UFS Pharmacy
Mt Clear UFS Pharmacy
Sebastopol UFS Pharmacy
Sturt St UFS Pharmacy
Sturt Street West UFS Pharmacy
Wendouree UFS Pharmacy

Please note that pharmacists can only administer the flu vaccine to people 10 or older. If your child is under 10, or if you would prefer to have your flu vaccination administered by a GP, please head to ufsmedical.com.au to book an appointment with one of our doctors.

22/05/2024

UFS Healthcare is a member-owned organisation (not owned by shareholders or private investors) therefore any profits generated are invested back into the business to benefit our members and the broader community.

For just $10 per year, you can become a member of UFS and enjoy a range of benefits, including:
• 20% discount at all UFS Pharmacies*
• 25% discount at all UFS Pharmacies from 25 November to 24 December*
• 10% discount on boutique cosmetics (Napoleon Perdis and Lancôme)
• Access to periodic Members Only sale events
• 7.5% discount on Australian Unity Private Health Insurance
• 15% discount on products and 10% discount on services at Peace & Quiet
• 10% discount on the gap fee of some GP consultations at UFS Medical
• Discounted membership at Showbiz Cinemas*

*Conditions apply. For full Member Benefits and conditions, please visit ufs.com.au/member-benefits

21/05/2024

Can you help support Ballarat Babies?

Many women who flee domestic violence, leave with just the clothes on their backs and are living on single parent pensions... nappies are a luxury.

Empowering Our Community Ballarat is partnering with Rotary and the Nappy Collective to launch a Regional Nappy Hub, helping to supply free nappies to vulnerable families in the community.

UFS is supporting this important initiative by placing nappy collection boxes at our Sebastopol, Sturt Street, Bridge Mall and Buninyong stores.

If you have spare nappies, or you'd like to purchase some to donate, please help us support this cause.

19/05/2024

Yesterday was World Family Doctor Day, an annual opportunity to highlight the vital role and contribution of family doctors in the healthcare system worldwide. World Family Doctor Day is an annual celebration that recognizes the central role of Family Doctors in delivering personal, comprehensive, and continuous health care to patients.

Today let's honour and appreciate the tireless efforts of family doctors in improving healthcare outcomes and creating healthier communities worldwide.

If you’re in need of a new GP for yourself or your family, UFS Medical offers three medical practices, staffed by highly skilled, experienced and caring doctors. To join the UFS Medical family, book an appointment at ufsmedical.com.au

13/05/2024

At UFS Medical, we understand that the cost of living is impacting many in our community. We are committed to providing the highest quality care while ensuring it is accessible to as many people as possible. We make bulk-billing available to the following patients:
• Pensioners
• Healthcare Card Holders
• DVA Card Holders
• Children under the age of 16.

For further information on our fees and payment policy, please don’t hesitate to contact your local UFS Medical Centre.

👉 Doveton Street UFS Medical, 202 Doveton Street North, Ballarat - 5364 9100
👉 Sebastopol UFS Medical, 37 Albert Street, Sebastopol - 5327 0420
👉 Windermere Street UFS Medical, 4 Windermere Steet, Ballarat - 5331 2522

22/12/2023

Bridge Mall UFS Pharmacy is open a little later today – shop from a fabulous range of Christmas gifts until 2pm today.

21/12/2023

Treat a loved one to a trio of luxurious hand creams from L’Occitane. $45.00 or $33.75 for members.

Sale valid until 24 December 2023.
While stocks last.
Not available at Doveton St North or Gisborne UFS Pharmacies.

20/12/2023

Know someone in need of a soft friend to cuddle up to this Christmas? Soft plush toys from Jellycat. $42.99 each or $32.24 for members.

Sale valid until 24 December 2023.
While stocks last.