Pharmacies in Wales are taking part in a joint campaign alongside dentists and optometrists to raise awareness independent contractors' role in providing NHS services.

NHS Wales contractors in community pharmacy, optometry and dentistry are displaying window stickers to promote their services as part of a Welsh Government initiative. The vinyl stickers carry the bilingual NHS Wales / GIG Cymru logo and the wording 'NHS WALES SERVICES AVAILABLE HERE / GWASANAETHAU GIG CYMRU YN GAEL YMA'.

Speaking at Pritchard Pharmacy in Prestatyn, Cabinet Secretary for Health, Well-being and Sport Vaughan Gething said: “Our pharmacies, optometry practices and dental practices provide convenient health services for people in their own communities. Along with GPs, they are a person’s first, and often their most frequent, point of contact with a healthcare professional.

“They are increasingly taking on clinical roles that previously have been the domain of doctors, and sometimes hospitals, and are taking greater responsibility for providing advice and treatment for people with minor ailments. We want the public to be aware of all of these NHS services in their communities and to Choose Well and use them, rather than GPs or casualty, where appropriate.”

Russell Goodway, Chief Executive of Community Pharmacy Wales said: “We warmly welcome this recognition by the Welsh Government of the important role of primary care NHS services, including community pharmacy. This official NHS branding will also give community pharmacies, and our primary care partners, important credibility and so give patients confidence to use these services. We are also delighted to join with our healthcare colleagues in Optometry Wales to mark this recognition. Between us we represent over 1,000 NHS outlets across Wales.“