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Nicola Sturgeon opens Uphall Branch

The increasingly important role for pharmacies in the treatment of illnesses, and in the proportion of health and wellbeing has been highlighted by Nicola Sturgoen MSP, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for health and wellbeing, as she officially opened Lindsay & Gilmour Pharmacy in Uphall.

Robbie McGregor, Lindsay & Gilmour Director and board member of Community Pharmacy Scotland, which launched its Manifesto last week, said; “We are delighted that the Deputy First Minister was able to open our Uphall pharmacy and show her support for community pharmacies. Lindsay & Gilmour is committed to bringing the efficiency of large multiples to our branches whilst retaining a friendly, helpful, local service. Professions are key partners in the primary care team.” Community pharmacists are highly trained and skilled professionals who provide vital, high-quality healthcare services, and as the most accessible of all the healthcare professions, are key partners in the primary care team. Pharmacists are a key contact point for patients and provide them and the NHS with the greatest expertise in the best use of medicines and drug technologies, a vital role in ensuring best patient care and use of resources. In the role modern NHS, that role is only going to increase, with community pharmacists playing a greater role in both health education, and in helping to relieve pressure on the NHS colleagues through, for example, our ability to deal with minor ailments.” The Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing said, “Pharmacies, such as this one, are an essential part of life in communities, and contribution to the wider public health agenda. They are often a patient’s first point of contact, and for some their only point of contact with healthcare professionals. 600,000 members of the public visit a community pharmacy in Scotland every day without the need for an appointment. “I am looking forward to seeing the contribution that this pharmacy and others make to helping us achieve a healthier Scotland.”

Robbie McGregor, Lindsay & Gilmour Director and board member of Community Pharmacy Scotland; Nicola Sturgeon, MSP, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing; Nigel Cumming, Chairman of Lindsay & Gilmour; Bill Scott, Chief Pharmacist for Scottish Government, and Norman Jess, managing director of Lindsay & Gilmour.

Excerpt from article in Scottish Chemist Review December 2007.