1 week Ago
The team behind a bid to open a new pharmacy in Old Town reacted to news of their application being approved. After Rowlands Pharmacy in the High Street Co-op and the Wood Street branch of Boots both closed within the space of 18 months, HG Hanks Ltd asked NHS England for permission to set up a new healthcare hub in the supermarket. The company, which also runs the Hawthorn Pharmacy on Cricklade Road in Gorse Hill, received approval in September but an appeal from Victoria Road Pharmacy delayed their plans by 15 weeks.
Victoria Road Pharmacy's appeal did not object to the idea of a new pharmacy being set up in the area but took issue with HG Hanks' application arguing that its services do not meet the needs of disabled clients in the area. A spokesperson said in December: "Pharmacies across the country are closing due to ongoing government underfunding. "Appeals such as ours are made to highlight the challenges facing the sector and to urge central government to stop further cuts to essential services.
"Our priority remains advocating for accessible and sustainable pharmacy services for everyone." The appeals process has now concluded and HG Hanks can now proceed with preparations to set up the new pharmacy inside the Co-op store using the same space which Rowlands once occupied. It should be ready to welcome its first customers later this year.
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twitter.com/cPkWIK9PKx A spokesperson told the Adver: " We have been waiting to get the confirmation in writing before letting it out in the public, and I'm thankful to say we have now had the verdict come through in the post. "We will now begin to finalise the lease agreement for the premises and begin to instruct our agent to register the site with GPhC, along with building a new team for the branch.
"This can take time but we anticipate it to open in early Summer 2025." Swindon Borough Council’s Health & Wellbeing Board learned of the good news earlier this week. Chairman of the committee and council leader Cllr Jim Robbins said: “This is very welcome news.
" Shadow cabinet member for adults and housing, Cllr Lawrence Elliott, added: “The residents of Old Town will be relieved, they have been without the Boots and the Co-op pharmacy for a long time.” Help support trusted local news Sign up for a digital subscription now: https://www.swindonadvertiser.
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