STAFF at a Consett chemist celebrated the opening of newly refurbished and extended premises this week

Customer Peter Westell performed a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Lloyds Pharmacy, in Station Road, with help from pharmacist Karen Welch and area manager David Owen.

Mrs Welch said: "The additional space will give us the opportunity to expand the range of services we can provide for our patients in the future."

A patient consultation area has been introduced, which will be used to provide advanced services, such as medication usage reviews.

It will also provide patients with a private area where they can discuss sensitive or personal issues with the pharmacist or staff.

Lee Middleton, support manager for Derwentside Primary Care Trust (PCT), said: "Derwentside PCT and the NHS realise the vastly under utilised skills and expertise of community pharmacists and their staff, and are committed to promoting community pharmacy as an integral part of the NHS family."