Service expansion planned following pharmacy acquisition

A West Yorkshire pharmacy has a new owner with plans to expand the range of services for the local community.

Subtain Hussain has acquired the Sharlston Pharmacy in Weeland Road, after running the Birdwell Pharmacy in Barnsley for more than three years.

Sharlston Pharmacy is part of the Pharmacy Access Scheme, which is designed to make sure no community is left without a pharmacy and serves 6,000 patients.

Hussain intends to offer extra services in Sharlston including clinics to offer COVID-19 vaccinations and the assessment and treatment of hearing loss.

The pharmacy has two consultation rooms and further services include flu jabs, smoking cessation clinics, a minor ailments service and a travel clinic.

Hussain said: “During the pandemic, pharmacists were on the front line, providing care to communities and making sure patients got the services they needed.

“Pharmacies are at the centre of the communities they serve and I’m looking forward to spending more time in the village and meeting the people.

“We’re determined to provide the most efficient service we can, as well as opening more clinics and providing more services for Sharlston, as well as the neighbouring villages like Crofton and Walton.”

The pharmacy employs eight people and the deal also sees Subtain acquire the premises of the neighbouring cake shop Polly’s Mixtures.

Scott Hickling, relationship manager at Lloyds Bank, said: “Sharlston Pharmacy provides a vital service to the local community and Subtain has a track record of running a successful pharmacy in Yorkshire.

“He has some exciting plans that will mean local people will be able to access even more healthcare services on their doorsteps, including COVID-19 and flu jabs, which will bring real benefits to the local community.”