Enter and view: St Annes Pharmacy
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Healthwatch Lancashire undertook an enter and view visit to St Anne's Pharmacy on 20 March 2026. They spoke to 8 patients.
St Annes Pharmacy is located on the intersection of St Alban’s Road and St Patrick’s Road South, Lytham St Annes, on the Fylde Coast. The pharmacy offers various services including Pharmacy First, medication dispensary and new medication advice, blood pressure testing, hair loss (alopecia), adult ear infection, haemorrhoids, earwax removal, weight management, delayed (late or missed) periods and vaccinations including flu, Covid, travel and chickenpox. There is also a home delivery service of medications for those unable to travel to the pharmacy.
The pharmacy was seen to be accessible, well-lit, and free of clutter. Shelves selling hygiene, personal grooming and over-the-counter medication were well-stocked and clearly priced, although a section of shelving behind patient seating could be utilised for further stock and/or health information. It is also recommended that a small area currently being used for storage could either be screened more effectively or incorporated into the existing floor space.
Eight patients provided feedback about their experiences of using the pharmacy. Patients found the pharmacy staff helpful and friendly. Locality/convenience, availability of prescribed medication and easy access were all discussed by patients as a positive when using the pharmacy. All patients spoken with were happy with the service that they had received. One patient felt that Saturday opening would be beneficial to patients who work during the week, and one stated that a bicycle rack would be helpful for securing their bike whilst in the pharmacy.
Five out seven patients who provided feedback about the Pharmacy First initiative stated that they were aware of the service. Once explained the other two patients spoken with stated that they were aware that they could see the pharmacist for certain conditions but did not know that it was called ‘Pharmacy First’.
All of the patients spoken with were able to get their prescribed medications at the time of the visit. One patient spoken with stated that it was the only pharmacy in the area that stocks their medication.
The pharmacy does not currently have access to an interpreter service for those who may use British Sign Language (BSL) and it is recommended that the pharmacy investigate as to whether there is a need for this, and where interpreter services could be accessed for full inclusivity.