Increasing demand for private services as Blackpool pharmacy extends range of health offerings
There is increasing demand from across the Fylde coast for NHS and private health services available in pharmacies, claims one recently expanded business.
Blackpool Express Chemist, in Waterloo Road since 2023, has recently opened a second branch in former Whitworth’s premises at Common Edge Road and is keen to do all it can improving access to same day clinical services in Blackpool and surrounding areas.
It is owned and run by siblings Bushra, Aamar and Imran Ali and offers a wide range of NHS and private services for customer across Blackpool, Lytham St Annes, Poulton, Thornton Cleveleys and Bispham.
Those services include increasing demand for private blood tests and ear wax removal, as well as a medically supervised weight loss clinic, emergency contraception (morning after pill), and the NHS contraceptive pill service.
A full travel vaccination clinic is also available and the business is also a registered Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre, a relatively rare service locally, allowing patients to access specialist travel vaccines in Blackpool without needing to travel further afield.
“Our focus is on delivering the kind of service we would want for ourselves and our own family – efficient, patient-focused, and genuinely caring,” said Bushra.
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“We are seeing increasing demand for our private services, possibly as a result of the increasing demand for appointments and services at GP practices, while big part of our offering is tackling one of the biggest frustrations patients face - long waiting times for prescriptions.
“Traditionally, it can take up to five days for pharmacies to process prescriptions and order stock in. We’ve made it a priority to change that.
“By maintaining strong stock holding and keeping a wide range of medicines readily available, we aim to ensure patients can access the right medication when they need it, without unnecessary delays.
“Our goal is to create a faster, more responsive service that puts patients first and removes the need for repeated visits or long waits.
“We’re really passionate about bringing positive change to the local pharmacy experience – making it more efficient, accessible, and personal, while maintaining high standards of care and professional advice.
“We are experts in phlebotomy procedures for blood testing and provide a comprehensive range of tests including testosterone testing, hormone and fertility panels, thyroid function tests, heart health, liver and kidney function, general health screens, sports nutrition testing and blood group testing.
“All samples are processed by a UKAS-registered laboratory and services are private, confidential and carried out by experienced clinicians.
“As a local pharmacy, we are focused on delivering accessible healthcare with professional advice and a personalised service, helping patients get the care they need quickly and conveniently. “