Clwyd South AM Ken Skates reopens revamped Rhostyllen pharmacy

An Assembly Member visited a recently refurbished local pharmacy to discuss the vital role they play in keeping health on the high street.

Ken Skates reopened Vittoria Pharmacy in Rhostyllen following the Welsh Government’s decision to invest in the community pharmacy sector in Wales, in contrast to the reduction in funding in England from December 2016.

The Welsh Labour AM for Clwyd South said: “The community pharmacy sector is a fundamental part of a strong primary care service. As a government we are investing in them to take pressure off GP services, reducing unnecessary appointments and making sure people are able to see the right professional in the right setting at the right time.

“This is good sense for the patient, the health service and for our high streets. As we’ve seen across North Wales, all too often core services are disappearing from our shopping centres. It’s important that the community pharmacy retains its local presence.”

Mr Skates added: “I was particularly pleased to visit Vittoria Pharmacy in Rhostyllen and officially open the new premises. Their expanded consulting room facility is a great example of what services can be offered for patients close to home and shows the network is modernising to keep pace with demand.”

Judy Henley, from Community Pharmacy Wales, said: “This is an exciting time for community pharmacy in North Wales.

“Not only are we working with the Welsh Government to invest in new services, but we are also rolling out a new information technology platform across Wrexham, Denbighshire and other North Wales counties to put the region at the cutting edge of how health professionals communicate with each other for the good of the patient.”