Derriford Hospital’s new outpatient pharmacy to open in Spring 2024

The new pharmacy will also have extended opening times during the weekends

Derriford Hospital is set to move its outpatient pharmacy to a bigger unit, which will be twice as big as the current size.

The new pharmacy, due to open in Spring 2024, is located adjacent to the hospital’s on-site Costa Coffee shop in the multistorey car park building.

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust said work is ongoing on the new 155 square metres pharmacy, but measures such as covered seating has been implemented.

Additionally, the pharmacy’s opening times would be extended during the weekends to benefit patients who are unable to attend during the week, the Trust said, noting that demand for its services has grown by 25 per cent.

Kandarp Thakkar, Chief Pharmacist & Clinical Director of Medicines Optimisation, said the pharmacy serves thousands of outpatient appointments each week.

“As many who have used the pharmacy recently will know, we have outgrown our current space and this much improved facility will have room for more staff and stock, a better range of services and a much-improved experience for patients," he added.

On behalf of UHP and Lloyds Pharmacy, Thakkar apologised for long queues at the pharmacy in recent weeks.

"The level of service and disruption is not something that we expect or want for patients and we’re very sorry to anyone who has been inconvenienced,” he said.