A & L Porter improves access to local pharmaceutical services
An Aberdeen-based pharmacy group has acquired two new pharmacies in Westhill to provide vital pharmaceutical services for the local community.
Read time: 1 min Added: 05/05/2023
A & L Porter Ltd, owned by Andy and Lynne Porter, acquired the two Lloyds pharmacies in Westhill, adding to its portfolio of five other pharmacies across the North East of Scotland. Thanks to the purchase and service improvement, local residents can now access services locally and avoid the six-to-ten-mile round trip to the next nearest pharmacy.
One of the pharmacies at Arnhall Business Park is attached to Skene Medical Centre, making it easier for people to collect prescriptions after appointments, while the second is located in Westhill Shopping Centre.
Eight existing employees will continue to work at the pharmacies, with plans in place to hire 4 new members of staff including a full-time prescription delivery driver.
The business is also planning extensive refits of both premises including increasing the footprint of the shopping centre dispensary, allowing more flexibility to prepare prescriptions and reduce wait times.
The Westhill shopping centre pharmacy will also introduce a 24-hour prescription collection kiosk, which will act like an ATM for patients to collect medication. Further plans for the refits include renovations to the shop front, complete with new automated front doors, to make access easier for customers.
Andy Porter, co-founder of A & L Porter Ltd said: “We are proud to be able to offer improved pharmaceutical services to the residents of Westhill. Improving access to local pharmaceutical services like this in our communities is particularly important for elderly or vulnerable residents who might struggle to make longer journeys.
“Bank of Scotland has been instrumental in the expansion of our business, and we would not be where we are today without them. We plan to continue growing our business across the North East of Scotland and making pharmacy services as accessible as possible for local, and often rural communities.”
Scott Beaton, relationship director of SME banking at Bank of Scotland said: “Pharmacies have played a large role in their local communities over the past few years, providing essential services during the pandemic, and with pressure continuing to mount on healthcare services, it is key for local residents to have access to medication when they need it most.
“A & L Porter Ltd has proven to be incredibly important to the areas where it operates, offering a vital service to communities across North East Scotland. We’re pleased to be able to support the business’ latest step in growing its portfolio and we will continue assisting the group as it expands.”