A pioneering pharmacy using state-of-the-art technologies to serve customers across south Lincolnshire and the world is celebrating its latest expansion this weekend.
Spalding-based West Elloe Pharmacy is holding open days on Saturday and Sunday to officially open its new extension, and is inviting customers old and new to come along.
Visitors will be able to see how much more space has been created and find out about the pharmacy’s many unique services, as well as talk to staff about any health concerns.
Pharmacy director and superintendent pharmacist Ryszard Cygan said: “We have expanded on a number of occasions in the past, but this is definitely our biggest and has created a much larger space for our customers.”
Local construction firm Barrowby Builders designed and built the new extension, taking just two months to complete the project from start to finish.
The expansion is the latest in a number of exciting developments at the independently-owned pharmacy, which opened in Spalding’s West Elloe Avenue 17 years ago.
Around a year ago it became the first in the country to offer customers an automated 24-hour prescription service and it is also the only retail pharmacy in the UK to have two dispensing robots.
The round-the-clock prescription service allows people to pick up their prescriptions at a time that suits them, using a PIN number in a cashpoint-style machine to collect medicines already dispensed by the pharmacists.
Mr Cygan said: “It’s very, very popular now.
“A large number of patients still come in to collect their prescriptions, but the 24-hour dispensing service is great for those who simply want to come when it’s quieter and for those people who work unusual hours.”
The pharmacy installed its first dispensing robot in 2006 at a time when Spalding’s growing population was putting pressure on patient services, and its second in 2008.
Usually only found in hospitals, the robots allow the pharmacy to dispense more safely while significantly reducing the waiting time for prescriptions.
Another welcome addition to the business was also the opening of its community pharmacy in Knight Street, Pinchbeck, last year.
“Quite a lot has happened in the last 17 years, and we now have 29 staff, so we’re quite a big employer in the area now too,” said Mr Cygan.
Serving thousands of customers in Lincolnshire and worldwide through its website, the pharmacy prides itself on offering the very best and most efficient services possible.
Customers, locally, can enjoy a prescription delivery service, with medicines delivered direct to your home or work place, free medicines check-ups and flu vaccinations.
The pharmacy can also help patients struggling to take their medications as prescribed and on time by pre-packing them for them.
The extension will also allow the pharmacy to continue to stock retail items that are hard to find elsewhere, such as a full range of incontinence and ostomy products and recently introduced confectionery range suitable for diabetics including a Thornton’s chocolate range.
l The open days will be open from 8.30am to 4pm on Saturday, and 10am to 4pm on Sunday.
For more information, contact the pharmacy on 01775 714633.