The Pharmaceutical Journal Vol 263 No 7065 p510
October 2, 1999 News

Lloyds opens its fourth "CHAT" centre in Derbyshire

Lloyds pharmacy has opened its fourth "CHAT" centre in its pharmacy at Clowne, Derbyshire. This latest centre is a joint venture with North Derbyshire health authority. CHAT is Lloyds's acronym for "Community and local Health care, social and welfare Advice, provided by Trained professionals". Mr Andrew Murdoch (director of pharmacy, Lloyds) told The Journal on September 28: "We have also worked closely with a network of partners in the area, including charities and art groups, to provide a place where residents can go to get help on anything from healthy eating to career opportunities, and social benefits to the care of the elderly."

Mrs Alison Cook (chairwoman, North Derbyshire health authority) opens Lloyds’s latest CHAT centre, accompanied by Mr Murdoch

The pharmacist had been trained to answer general inquiries and could point visitors in the right direction if she was unable to help, Mr Murdoch added.
One of the services to be provided from the centre is a series of special events and days concentrating on particular areas. These are to offer people extended opportunities to seek informal advice on specific problems.
Topics are expected to include healthy eating, osteoporosis, migraine and social care and benefits.
The first special event was a stroke awareness week from September 27 to October 3, coinciding with a national campaign by the Stroke Association.
Special clinics to help people who want to give up smoking will be held on October 7 and 8.
CHAT centres have also been opened by Lloyds in pharmacies at Burnley (Lancashire), Alfreton (Derbyshire) and Dudley (West Midlands).
Mr Murdoch said: "The response from members of the local community in these areas has been very positive."