The newly refurbished Llanidloes Pharmacy has been supported by Montgomeryshire MS Russell George who was invited to experience firsthand the range of NHS clinical services provided by community pharmacies in Wales.
Llanidloes Pharmacy underwent a full refit, providing spacious modern facilities from which trained pharmacists and pharmacy technicians can provide increased levels of pharmacy services to people living, working, and visiting the local area.
The project was created through the Transforming Towns programme, and reopened in June.
Mr George was invited to visit the site and to discuss E-prescribing, independent prescribing and the Common Ailments service.
Llanidloes pharmacy has been providing NHS-funded community pharmacist prescribing service since 2016, when it was a pilot site for what in April 2022 became a nationally available service.
Mr George said: “It was fantastic to see firsthand the difference community pharmacy is making in Wales.
“In rural areas such as Llanidloes pharmacies provide a focal point for the local community, and a healthcare destination for those visiting the surrounding areas.
“Having seen firsthand the benefits of the Independent Prescribing service for myself I can really see its value to patients and to the NHS in Wales – making it easier to access advice for minor conditions and allowing GP and out of hours services to focus on more chronic or serious conditions.
“I’m sure with the right support in the coming years community pharmacy can continue to show that it is part of the solution to some of the challenges facing the NHS now.”