West Byfleet is to get one of a new generation of pharmacies later this month when the Assura Pharmacy opens at the West Byfleet Health Centre on Monday October 23.
In addition to the traditional services of prescriptions, over the counter medicines and other healthcare products, the Assura Pharmacy will be providing enhanced services. These are in line with the Government’s plans to modernise the pharmacy service and integrate it more closely with NHS primary care services provided by GPs and Primary Care Trusts to improve patient care.
“The West Byfleet Health centre has 18 GPs serving almost 30,000 patients who will benefit considerably from having a modern, convenient pharmacy in the same building,” said Tim Davies, Operations Director at Assura Pharmacy.
Special facilities and services at the new pharmacy include a private consultation room, stop smoking support and emergency contraception. In early 2007 Assura plans to install an interactive health information system whereby patients will be able to use a touch screen system allowing them to learn more about their conditions and medication and also print off information.
Assura has installed a carousel dispensary which enables the pharmacist and dispensing technicians to turn around prescriptions more quickly and efficiently, so speeding up patient service. Another special feature of the new pharmacy is its leading edge contemporary design which is modern and welcoming.
The Assura Pharmacy will have seven staff including two pharmacists, two dispensing technicians and three health care assistants. It will be open more than ten hours a day from 8.30am to 7.00pm, Monday to Friday and will operate a prescriptions collection and delivery service.
“We aim to provide what is called an integrated service; that means we work closely with the GPs and other health professionals to meet the individual needs of each patient.
Often a patient can seek treatment for an ailment quite satisfactorily from the pharmacist rather than having to make an appointment with the GP. This saves everyone time and is more convenient for patients,” said Tim Davies.
“We are really looking forward to meeting and spending time with new patients and customers who will benefit from a highly professional service in a comfortable, attractive environment,” he added.
This integrated policy is in line with the Government’s recently published strategy – ‘A Vision for Pharmacy in the new NHS’ – and new pharmacy regulations.
Assura Pharmacy is part of the Assura Group (formerly Medical Property Fund), which is one of the leading investors in and providers of primary care premises in the UK.
It operates a network of pharmacy outlets from Scotland to the south of England. Assura recently acquired the health centre building and deciding there was a need for an integrated pharmacy, acquired a local existing pharmacy business and relocated it into the health centre.
ENDS.
Press enquiries regarding Assura Pharmacy to:
Louise Bathersby, Assura Group.
Tel: 020 7107 3830
