Health and wellbeing

Wendover Pharmacy and Clinics

The new Wendover Pharmacy is here! It opened on 26 September and has hit the ground running. The opening hours are weekdays 9.00am to 6.30pm and 9.00 to 5.30pm Saturdays, closed on Sundays.

The managing partner, Hadi Kanbar, is present at the pharmacy most weekdays and has recently been staying until 10.30pm to catch up with the backlog of pre-prepared prescriptions left by the previous owner, Lloyds. Hadi is a joint partner in the practice, and this is his sole pharmacy. He currently resides in Uxbridge and has plans to move locally. Their intention is to run the fully independent practice in a way that enhances the health care and wellbeing of Wendover residents.

Hadi’s motivation is to ‘help others,’ something he has wanted to do since childhood. He has always wanted to be in the healthcare profession. He is the first pharmacist in his family, graduating from Bath University in 2016 and qualifying in 2017, and he is currently studying an extra prescribing course at Warwick University.

control. This will improve efficiency and speedy resolution for visiting customers.

The practice is already connected to the electronic prescription service from GP surgeries. A big positive appears to be the fact that an independent operation like Wendover Pharmacy is not limited to particular suppliers as the big chain establishments are, so this enables the purchase of medication from a wider spectrum of suppliers. Hopefully, this will help with stock control too.

Hadi has plans for non-prescription medication, alternative medicines and non-medical items. The shelves are already full, which is heartening. He plans to stock the Swiss make-up brand Mavala, which is already in train.

Additionally, Wendover Pharmacy offers walk-in clinical services for flu vaccinations, blood pressure checks, and various health services, establishing a central hub for health and wellness. With expert advice readily accessible, residents can rely on a trusted partner for their health journey.

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At present the main focus is to “catch up” with patient prescriptions, and be ahead of the collection of medication with pre-prepared prescriptions. The intention is to keep queuing to a minimum by efficient pre-preparation and being fully organised with the stocks of medication and stock

Overall, the future looks to be in safe hands, and a fully-stocked pharmacy will be a departure from many readers’ experiences in recent years. Just to close with a little secret, Hadi gets married next year, so let’s wish him well and hope he enjoys Wendover and the locality and stays for the long term!

Meet Bob Duggan, a dedicated Wendover Dementia Support Volunteer Driver, amongst many other things! Here Bob shares his experiences and reasons for becoming a volunteer driver, highlighting the vital role these volunteers play in supporting individuals with dementia. His inspiring story encourages others to join this compassionate team, making a real difference in our community.

If you’re seeking a meaningful way to give back, maybe Bob’s interview will motivate and inspire you to become a part of this incredible network of volunteers.

1. What motivated you to become a volunteer driver for Wendover Dementia Support? I wanted to volunteer locally in the community. Driving I enjoy, as well as making new friends.

2. Can you describe what a typical experience looks like when you’re volunteering as a driver? I have to prepare well and be on time so that there is no panic or upset from the passenger. The journey to the Monday Club is the start of their morning experience. Conversation is usually upbeat, and I enjoy getting feedback on all sorts. I especially like the reaction on the way back as to their experience at the Monday Club.

3. How do you think your role as a volunteer driver directly impacts individuals living with dementia and their families? I think kindness and calmness are two attributes that those living with dementia and their families need. Even if the day has not started well, it can be turned round in a short space of time.

4. Are there any heart-warming or memorable moments you’ve had while volunteering that you can share? The wife of one of our lovely visitors told me that her husband had had a very difficult morning and was very anxious about leaving home. She said that the moment he saw my familiar face coming up the path he relaxed and when he opened the door he had a big smile on his face that said “Hello Bob! I’m all ready to go!”

5. Can you talk about the sense of fulfilment or satisfaction you derive from being a volunteer driver in this capacity? The magic of making good friends, brightening somebody’s dark day, the sadness, the tears, the difficulties other people have all make you realise that your life isn’t so bad after all.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer driver for Wendover Dementia Support, whether you can volunteer every Monday or just once a month, there’s more information at info@wendoverds. org.uk or call 07732 342409 and leave a message. Your help could make a real difference!

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