LED by pharmacy manager Chico Vyas, the team at a LloydsPharmacy in Ilkley, officially opened its new concept in pharmacy on July 17.

The Ilkey team will now offer LloydsPharmacy’s new approach to community health, which has been developed to improve access to healthcare information and support.

The ribbon was cut by former supervisor Mary Hume, who retired last month after 38 years at the pharmacy.

As part of the transformation, the pharmacy now offers free, enhanced services for a range of conditions, including skin health and pain management.

The pharmacy’s new skin offering covers all aspects of skin health from medicines management advice for people on prescription treatment to medicated skin products.

Chico said: “We are delighted to be a pioneer in a project that will do much to raise awareness of healthcare needs at a local level.

“What we want to do is help people discuss their health problems, offer support on how we can help them and how they can help themselves, all in relaxed surroundings where people can feel more comfortable talking about their concerns.

“With skin conditions, a change in treatment and application techniques can make all the difference, which is why we have developed our skin advice service. With effective management, symptoms can be reduced and those with the condition can start to take back control of their life.”

Pain management is another area where the Ilkley pharmacy team now offers enhanced support. The LloydsPharmacy pain control service has been found to improve 46 percent of people’s pain after just four weeks of taking the pharmacist’s advice.

“We know many who suffer from long-term health conditions don’t always want to go to their doctor every time they have a question,” Chico added.

“Our dedicated and experienced team is supporting local residents’ healthcare needs by providing services that complement GPs and other healthcare professionals by offering convenient, one-to-one support in pleasant, modern surroundings.”

The nine-strong team at LloydsPharmacy in Ilkley is experienced in dealing with the individual healthcare needs of local residents. Many have worked with LloydsPharmacy for a number of years.

Ailsa Earle has seven years’ service, Amy Fletcher and Alyson Sykes both have six, Aiste Petrauskyte five, while Chico has three years, along with pharmacist Mohammed Uddin and Laura Elchaar.