Pharmacy aims to cut GP pressure

A new chemist with dramatically extended opening hours has opened in Derby to try to reduce the pressure on out-of-hours GP services.

The Rose Hill Pharmacy in Normanton, Derby, will open for 100 hours a week, with a team of four pharmacists on duty from 0730 to 2300 GMT.

As well as advice on colds and coughs staff will also offer a blood testing service for diabetes services.

Health officials hope the long hours will ease GP workloads in the area.

Central and Greater Derby Primary Care Trust said Rosehill Pharmacy is the first chemist in the city to be granted a 100-hour contract to provide services to the NHS and the public.

A spokesperson from the trust said: "Opening additional hours will allow the pharmacy to be available for healthcare needs at times to suit more people.

"It will provide additional support for primary care, with blood pressure checks and medication reviews."

The trust added that there was a need for improved medical services within Normanton.