The opening of the new Boots pharmacy at Derriford Hospital is welcomed as a significant relief for outpatients needing medication.
The facility was officially opened on Tuesday (April 2) shortly after news emerged that the retailer would close its Salcombe branch.
Located next to the multi-storey car park at the hospital, the pharmacy has outgrown its previous space, with nearly 3,000 items of medication dispensed every week.
The new pharmacy will remain open on Saturdays, and patients will also have the option to collect their prescriptions from other local Boots branches in Plymouth and the surrounding areas.
Additionally, a shuttle bus service is available from the main entrance to the pharmacy for patients with mobility challenges.
Two parking bays located close to the store offer ample space for customers to park while they pick up their prescriptions. In addition, there is dedicated parking for disabled customers in the car park.
Jim Griffiths, Chair of the Patient Council, who attended the store opening, expressed optimism that the opening of the new pharmacy facility at the hospital would significantly improve the patient experience.
He cited the extra space, longer opening times, and the option for patients to collect prescriptions at nearby Boots branches as some positive changes.
Chief Pharmacist & Clinical Director of Medicines Optimisation at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, Kandarp Thakkar, expressed confidence that thousands of patients who use this service every week will have a “much-improved service.”
The pharmacy chain is also partnering with the Trust to make everyday items available to visitors and staff for purchase.
Ashley Littlewood-Miller, National Hospitals Manager at Boots UK, said they are excited to see the growth of their partnership with the Trust, and are early anticipating to welcome patients to their new store.
The company, which is part of Walgreens Boots Alliance, achieved its twelfth consecutive quarter of retail market share growth, reporting a 5.9 per cent increase in retail sales for the three months ending on 29 February 2024.
Its digital platforms, namely Boots.com and the Boots app, recorded strong growth, with a 16.8 per cent surge in digital sales, particularly driven by “strong sales of beauty and personal care products.”
Lat year, the high street pharmacy giant announced its plan to close 300 stores to reduce its portfolio from around 2,200 to 1,900.
