Dry Arch Pharmacy is a much needed local service

The Dry Arch Pharmacy between Mosside and Armoy is providing a much needed facility for local people in the rural locality.

Since opening in April the pharmacy means many people no longer have to travel into either Ballymoney, Bushmills or Ballycastle to pick up prescriptions and any other 'over the counter' products they may require.

The bright and spacious new pharmacy adjoins The Country Medical Centre which means patients can easily pick up their medical requirements.

In the past the Medical Centre did have a dispensary but it was only for the Centre’s own patients and only available for people who lived within a few miles of the Centre.

Pharmacist Lucie Spence works alongside Pharmacy Technician Brenda Given at The Dry Arch Pharmacy.

Lucie told the Times anyone with a script from the Country Medical Practice - or elsewhere - can pick up their medicines or tablets at the new facility.

And being just a few yards off the main Ballycastle to Coleraine road at the famous north Antrim landmark - The Dry Arch - means The Dry Arch Pharmacy is handily placed for people to pop in on their way to and from work or otherwise while passing by.

Lucie said: “We have enhanced the service for people and anyone can bring their script here or arrange for it to be sent here to be processed. The reaction to the new business has been great as people say it is really handy and a much needed addition.”

She added: “A number of people especially the elderly who may have had to arrange for lifts to go and get scripts say our new pharmacy is a big boost for them instead of having to travel some distance to get a script.

“We are here for everybody not just patients of the Country Medical Centre.”

Like all chemists, The Dry Arch Pharmacy is more than just a place to pick up prescriptions.

Through the minor ailment scheme patients can be assessed for a number of things like coughs and colds, headlice, athlete's foot and hay fever.

After a consultation with the pharmacist, the customer can receive medicinal products at no cost, without having to make an appointment with a GP.

The pharmacy has been exceptionally busy in recent weeks with hay fever sufferers.

Another service involves smoking cessation with advice on hand and free nicotine replacement products as part of a 12-weeks programme.

And Lucie explained that many local mums from the Mosside and Armoy areas have been availing of their baby food and nappies and other baby products.

So the addition of a pharmacy covering a wide rural radius is proving popular in the area and unlike having to pick up a script in a busy town centre there is plenty of easily accessible and free parking at The Dry Arch Pharmacy.

The Dry Arch Pharmacy is open from 8.45am each week day. It stays open late on Mondays and Thursdays to 6.30pm and on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays closes at 5.15pm. The pharmacy is closed on Saturdays and Sundays.