Rosehill Pharmacy gets a makeover under new leadership

Rosehill Pharmacy in Sutton has recently undergone a significant transformation with its acquisition by Arun Kanagaratnam, who took over ownership in June 2023

Originally established in the 1970s, Rosehill Pharmacy began as a Boots store before becoming an independent pharmacy in 1984.

Despite a history of service in the community for decades, Arun Kanagaratnam, the new pharmacy owner at Rosehill pharmacy, noted that the pharmacy had fallen into a state of neglect over the years.

Recognising its potential due to its prime location and its role in providing out-of-hours services, Kanagaratnam decided to purchase the pharmacy.

"I used to work here locally, and I was also the out-of-hours pharmacist because the pharmacy was part of a rota system among four different pharmacies. We each covered a week in a month," Kanagaratnam explained.

"I saw the potential here and liked what I saw. During the daytime, the pharmacy was not being fully utilised or offering the services that the community needed."

Since taking over, Kanagaratnam has focused on refurbishing the pharmacy and enhancing its existing services and offering few additional services as a certified Independent prescriber.

The pharmacy now boasts a modern and refurbished infrastructure that aligns with Kanagaratnam's vision of making it the premier pharmacy in the area.

The refurbishment included a complete overhaul of the premises, which including reworking the leaky-roof, introducing new technological services and was met with praise from both customers and local officials.

One of the key improvements under Kanagaratnam’s ownership is the expansion of services.

The pharmacy now offers a comprehensive delivery service, which was not available before.

"We introduced a free delivery service for patients who are unable to visit the pharmacy themselves," Kanagaratnam said.

"This allows them to receive their medications directly at home, which has been warmly received by the community."

Additionally, Rosehill Pharmacy operates an out-of-hours service, making it one of the few pharmacies in the area to offer extended hours. The out-of-hours service runs as follows:

• Monday to Friday: 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM
• Saturday: 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
• Sunday: 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM

This extended availability ensures that residents can access necessary medications and services beyond standard pharmacy hours, especially in case of 111 emergencies.

Kanagaratnam noted that the out-of-hours service has become increasingly important, especially for those who visit the hospital and need immediate access to prescriptions after regular pharmacy hours.

Services provided at Rosehill pharmacy

Under Arun's leadership, the pharmacy has introduced a travel clinic, weight loss scheme and smoking cessation programs.

With this the pharmacy continues to provide a range of NHS services such as hypertension and Chlamydia testing.

Kanagaratnam shares that these services are part of his broader vision to make Rosehill Pharmacy a comprehensive health hub.

"The travel clinic and smoking cessation programmes have been particularly well-received," he said.

"We also offer a range of services through Pharmacy First, and I’m looking to expand further into specialised clinics like skin and face care."

Moreover, Kanagaratnam’s specialism in Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)care and his extensive experience in managing UTIs, is helping him set the pharmacy apart.

"At the moment, I see a lot of patients coming in with issues like insect bites and UTIs. I’ve specialised in UTI management, which is an integral part of my practice," he shared.

Part of the Pharmacy First initiative, Kanagaratnam's approach to UTI treatment allows him to offer more comprehensive care, including prescribing antibiotics.

He observed, "Many female patients find UTIs difficult to deal with, and Pharmacy First  has made it easier for them to get the treatment they need.

“However, there is still a lack of awareness about the full range of services we can provide. Patients often don't know that they can receive effective treatment, including antibiotics, directly from the pharmacy rather than going to their GP."

Interestingly, Kanagaratnam has also cultivated strong relationships with local healthcare providers, including a nearby nursing home that relies on Rosehill Pharmacy for medication supplies.

"The positive feedback from the nursing home has been very encouraging. They appreciate our service and dedication to providing high-quality care," he said.

Despite some initial challenges during the transition from one ownership to the other, including administrative issues with NHS England and building-related problems, Kanagaratnam has successfully navigated these obstacles.

The pharmacy's growth reflects his commitment to improving community healthcare and offering more accessible services.

Looking ahead, Kanagaratnam aims to continue expanding the pharmacy's offerings and solidifying its reputation as a leading health service provider in Sutton.

"My goal is to make Rosehill Pharmacy a special place where the community feels valued and well-cared for," he said.