Wem GP clinic submits bid for on-site pharmacy
A Shropshire medical practice is hoping to get the green light to build a new pharmacy and extend its existing surgery.
Wem and Prees Medical Practice in New Street, Wem, has submitted plans to Shropshire Council for a single-storey extension which will house a pharmacy and a bigger waiting room.
Health bosses say having a pharmacy on site at the surgery would be more convenient for patients who currently have to leave and travel to the one of two existing pharmacies to have their prescription filled.
The move will mean one of the town centre pharmacies will be closed.
A design and access statement for the application states: "The two existing pharmacies in Wem are operated by the same company.
"It is intended that one of the pharmacies in the town centre will close and will move to these new premises, the existing staff will be relocated.
"Consideration to the location of the proposed extension was given in relation to the internal layout of the existing building.
"The location at the rear site behind the existing building was preferred as this links the new extension to the existing waiting room.
"The proposal has minimal visual impact and will effectively be screened from views into the site from New Street.
"The extension is single storey with a pitched roof and constructed in materials to match the original building.
"There will be no impact on adjacent properties.
"Access to the pharmacy will be via the waiting room, an external door is to be provided to the car park from the pharmacy.
"The building is single storey with a floor level to match the existing. Access in and around the extension will comply with current building regulations.
"The introduction of a pharmacy will remove the need for a journey to the town centre."
The practice currently operates from two separate sites in Wem and Prees. Although in different locations, the practices work together to serve the same catchment area.
The total practice patient population is 10,722 and the catchment area covers Wem, Prees and surrounding villages.
Last year a new £1 million medical centre, run by Wem and Prees Medical Practice, was officially opened.
The practice in Prees, near Whitchurch, replaced one situated at the home of Dr Guy Carter, who has now retired.
The Whitchurch Road centre features four consulting rooms, nursing space, a treatment area, dispensary, waiting room and offices.
The Grocott Family Charitable Trust, set up by the owners of Whitchurch-based Grocontinental, paid for the construction of the building.
