WITH waiting lists at GP surgeries continuing to rise, one Cirencester pharmacy is becoming the first port of call for people looking for quick medical advice.

Chesterton Pharmacy, which has been serving the town since 1991, has recently been recognised as a Healthy Living Pharmacy, meaning it can provide more services to people in the local area.

Leo Ferro, owner of the Chesterton Lane-based pharmacy, said the team were really proud to have received HLP status.

“This award demonstrates how important the health and wellbeing of our community is to us and has provided our team with a new focus and enthusiasm,” he said.

Medical issues such as weight management, sexual health, cancer awareness and smoking are just some of the topics that the team at Chesterton Pharmacy can give advice on.

“We can provide people with expert advice and put them in touch with services that can help them be healthier,” Leo said.

“There is no appointment system, so it is really easy for people to come and have a chat.”

In order to be given the special accreditation, Chesterton Pharmacy had to promote a healthy living culture through its everyday practice.

Cllr Dorcas Binns, cabinet member for Public Health at Gloucestershire County Council, said she was delighted by the pharmacy team’s commitment and hard work.

“Situated in the heart of the community, Chesterton Pharmacy can make a real difference to the health and wellbeing of local residents,” she said.

“Chesterton Pharmacy is one of eight pharmacies in Gloucestershire to be granted the quality mark which it received at a celebratory event in January. It is set to be joined over the next year by a further 46 pharmacies across the county.”

A number of pharmacies in nearby Dursley, as well as in Cheltenham and Gloucester, were also given Healthy Living status.

Visit www.wiltsglosstandard.co.uk for further details.