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Steven Pal, who owns Monkspath Pharmacy in Solihull, was Numark’s 6,000^th member. Having only completed the purchase of his pharmacy last month, Numark offered him a free refurbishment. He talks to Independent Community Pharmacist…

Older pharmacy branches can often feel a little run down. As a first-time buyer, this gives me the chance to breathe new life into the pharmacy.

I had always planned to do a re-fit but I didn’t expect to be able to for another four or five years. I never imagined doing this in my first year.

The biggest benefit is being able to add more consultation rooms, which means we can significantly expand our clinical offering. This includes private independent prescribing, HRT and TRT services, minor illness clinics, weight management support and travel health services,  alongside enhanced NHS services.

It allows us to truly become a health hub for our community, not just a dispensary and shop.

Private consultation space to support patient care

When I was newly qualified, a patient came in for a medicines use review. We went through his medicines in a consultation room and at the end, he mentioned a lump in his neck.

He was an older man who hadn’t prioritised going to the doctor, but because he was already speaking to me, he raised it.

After examining him, I urgently referred him to his GP. Sadly, he was diagnosed with late-stage cancer, but he later came in with his wife to thank me.

I think he found it gave him more time and allowed him to use that time in the way he wanted. It reinforced how important these conversations and private spaces are.

Improving health outcomes locally is our number one focus. Many conditions are picked up through routine testing, such as blood sugar, blood pressure, PSA, testosterone. And early intervention can massively change people’s lives.

If we offer screening for these areas, supported by private models where appropriate, we reduce the need for referrals and support a shift towards preventative healthcare.

Right now, the NHS is largely treatment-based but we can stop events before they happen, not just treat them afterwards.

Technology will shape the modern community pharmacy

We need to embrace tech and bring pharmacy into the modern era. Automation, SEO and social media are key. These tools streamline processes, help patients find and access us more easily, and give us better ways to communicate with our community.

If we use them properly, we can reach more people, offer a smoother experience and ensure pharmacy stays at the heart of patient care.