Mid Derbyshire MP Pauline Latham visited a Wilsons Pharmacy store in Pride Park on Tuesday 25th July, to praise the novel thinking and inventiveness of the company in its customer service. On her visit she met with Barry Wilson, a constituent of Pauline’s who founded the chain of pharmacies across Derby, John Kirk, Managing Director, and Sibby Buckle, Fellow of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society.
Wilsons Pharmacy took part in a new scheme in which assessments are made by trained, experienced pharmacists to determine a patient’s needs and prescribe accurate medical treatment. The plan was developed after local health trusts realised patients were relapsing after failing to take their medicines correctly.
Although initially dealing with around 50 patients, the company extended its coverage to its existing community patients and health professionals (including doctors, nurses and social care) and now has approximately 2000 patients with around 10-20 referrals each week. These services are not directly funded by NHS England or charged to patients, and help to provide better care for sick and disabled patients across Derbyshire.
Commenting on her visit Pauline said: “I was delighted to visit the Wilsons Pharmacy in Pride Park and see the excellent level of care they provide to patients; they make a tangible, positive impact on people’s lives”.
“In particular, I was very impressed with how the pharmacy’s robot dispenses medication in compliance aids – all packaged in time slots which make it easier for vulnerable and disabled patients to take their medicines correctly. I want to offer my congratulations to Wilsons Pharmacy and all their staff for their fantastic work, and thank them for having me”.