A Hartlepool pharmacy has undergone a £100,000 transformation as its new owners expand the range of health services available to patients.

Kaila Pharmacy, in Kendal Road, has been completely refurbished over 10 weeks after being taken over by JS Locum Services Ltd, which operates independent pharmacies from Middlesbrough to Hebburn.

The revamped pharmacy, next door to McKenzie House GP surgery, will offer a range of NHS and private services, including consultations for minor illnesses, free blood pressure checks and vaccinations which patients may previously have had to travel out of town to receive.

The investment has also included a vehicle for home prescription deliveries, as well as major changes inside and outside the pharmacy.

Kaila Pharmacy director Jaz Singh and Mayor Sue Little cutting the ribbon with staff and guests to officially open Kaila Pharmacy.

placeholder image — Kaila Pharmacy director Jaz Singh and Mayor Sue Little cutting the ribbon with staff and guests to officially open Kaila Pharmacy.

It held a relaunch party on Monday, during which patients could find out more about the new services available.

An official ribbon-cutting was also performed by the Ceremonial Mayor of Hartlepool, Cllr Sue Little.

Jaz Singh, superintendent pharmacist and director of Kaila Pharmacy, said: “When this pharmacy became available I was very interested because of the potential it has.

“It struck me that there was so much more that could be done to help the patients of Hartlepool, and especially align with the varied services that we provide across all our pharmacies.”

Paula Fewster (right) of Hartlepool Carers presents pharmacist Maryam Al-Juboori with a certificate as a Carers Friendly Pharmacy.

They include NHS services including Pharmacy First consultation service for a minor illness or an urgent repeat medicine supply, and free blood pressure checks.

The pharmacy also offers some vaccinations that patients may previously have had to travel out of town for.

Some of the investment has also gone towards a vehicle for prescription home deliveries.

Jaz added: “I think it’s very important to invest within the pharmacy to provide premises that are suitable for the varied services that we provide and also as a working environment for our staff and patients to visit.”

Cllr Little, a patient herself of the pharmacy, welcomed the investment, and said: “They have made a massive investment to the area. The pharmacy is now bright and airy and the staff are so helpful.

“It’s also a massive advantage being right next door to the surgery.”

Stakeholders at the relaunch included Hartlepool Carers to mark the fact that Kaila Pharmacy is the latest care provider in town to sign up to the organisation’s Accreditation Programme as a show of support for Hartlepool’s unpaid carers.