Spittal pharmacy opens for business

Feb 10 2010 by Will Henshaw, Rutherglen Reformer

RESIDENTS of Spittal finally got their wish as the new Kyle Square Pharmacy finally opened its doors.

The event was marked with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, February 5 which was attended by Rutherglen MSP James Kelly, Councillor Brian McKenna, and Dr Reid from the Overtoun Medical Practice, as well as local police and residents.

There was a spread of food and soft drinks supplied by fellow Kyle Square traders Foodies. Other businesses from the area also dropped by to say hello and lend their support.

Pharmacists David Dryden and Michael Balmer were supported by the local public to open a pharmacy in the Spittal area, which had previously been lacking the vital service.

After originally being given the go-ahead by the Pharmacy Practices Committee, they were left dismayed when rival chemists from Burnside and Croftfoot lodged an appeal against the decision.

The appeal was upheld by a National Appeal Panel, which concluded there was no need for the service in Spittal.

The chemists objected against the decision and were eventually given to go-ahead to open.

Pharmacist David spoke of his determination to serve the local community.

He said: “We’re hoping to fill the void that’s always been missing in terms of pharmacy care in the area, such as collecting prescriptions for the local surgeries and having them ready in the pharmacy. I think it’s been welcomed by the elderly population as well as mothers with younger children.”

Although it has been a long time coming, the public are already starting to embrace the service.

Said David: “It was quite a battle to get the go-ahead and then we had a battle with the weather to get the place fitted out.

“We started getting people through the door straight away so we’re delighted after all the effort it’s proving success and the local community are welcoming it.”

Labour MSP James Kelly was a long-time supporter of the pair’s efforts to open the pharmacy.

He was overjoyed for the duo, and predicts they will do well in the area.

He said: “I’m absolutely delighted to see the pharmacy opening in Spittal.

“It’s clear to me there was a need for a pharmacy in the area and it’ll make a big difference, particularly to the pensioners in the area, to have a pharmacy on their doorsteps as opposed to having to travel to Burnside or Croftfoot.

“There was a great atmosphere at the opening event and it was a tremendous achievement by Michael and David. The two of them are talented and enthusiastic young guys. I wish them all the best and I’m sure they’ll do well.”