£205k invested to support delivery of vital health services

Access to vital pharmacy care has been improved locally, as more space for the delivery of frontline health services has been created at Market Street Pharmacy in Gainsborough, following a £205K transformation.

Following its recent renovation, the pharmacy now has an additional consultation room, increasing the total to three. These rooms offer a private space for pharmacy colleagues to provide health services and advice to patients.

One room is primarily intended for the delivery of podiatry services, such as nail reconstruction, diabetic care, and the removal of ingrown toenails, while the remaining two accommodate for the delivery of Pharmacy First services, blood pressure checks, healthy heart checks, vaccinations, and more.

The rest of branch has undergone a facelift, creating a bright, modern space, with wooden textures and cool blue tones, and the exterior facade has also been refreshed.

When patients enter the branch, they see the counter for prescription dispensary to the left, and a range of over-the-counter products to the right.

Louis Gazeley, Pharmacist at Market Street Pharmacy in Gainsborough, said: “Since the refurb, the space feels so much brighter and welcoming, improving our patients’ experience as soon as they walk through the door.

“Having an additional consultation room supports us in delivering vital services to our community and gives us space to be able to upskill team members. We’ve also had fridges installed in our consultation rooms, making it quicker and easier to deliver vaccines.”

To improve the service's energy efficiency, LED lighting has been replaced, and the heating systems are being updated.

This work is part of Lincolnshire Co-op's cyclical refresh scheme, which has also seen work undertaken at Gainsborough Funeral Home and Heapham Road Food Store in Gainsborough.

Head of Care at Lincolnshire Co-op, Alice Hare, said: "Healthcare is a key strategic priority for us, and by investing in our pharmacies, we're proud to create additional space for the delivery of important local services.

"Not only does this improve access to healthcare for our patients, but it also reduces strain on other healthcare services, such as GP surgeries and A&E departments."