A new pharmacy has officially opened in Horwich, bringing expanded healthcare services to the local community.
The new Lee Lane branch was opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Bolton MP Phil Brickell, who praised the business’s continued commitment to local communities despite its growth into a nationwide pharmacy chain.
The company began in nearby Little Lever and now operates hundreds of stores across the UK while maintaining strong roots in Bolton.
The Horwich branch was formerly Hootons Pharmacy and is one of eight pharmacies acquired from the Whittle Pharmacies group earlier this year.
Yakub Patel, one of the founders of the business, said the opening was particularly special because of the company’s long-standing connection to the area.
He said: “It’s always fantastic to open a new shop, but it’s extra special when it’s here in the Bolton area.
“Our headquarters are based in Lostock, where we employ a large number of local people, and we remain committed to our roots in Bolton.
“Our business has always been about providing local services to smaller communities, and we also offer online services through the Cohens app.”
Mr Brickell, MP for Bolton West, said he had grown up knowing the brand and praised the company for retaining its community values despite its expansion.
He said: “As a child, I grew up in Little Lever, so Cohens is a local business I’ve always been familiar with.
“It was an honour to be invited to cut the ribbon at the new branch in Horwich and to learn more about the pharmacy services now being offered to the local community.
“It’s great to see a local business which has grown into a major player in the pharmacy sector while still retaining its grassroots values.”
During his visit, Mr Brickell also heard about the company’s support for local schools, including the provision of free EpiPens to Beaumont School to help staff respond in emergencies.
He also highlighted the growing role pharmacies now play in frontline healthcare through schemes such as Pharmacy First.
Mr Brickell said: “Pharmacists are now able to use their clinical skills to help diagnose and treat patients.
“They offer a wide range of services that help ease pressure on GP surgeries.
"These include blood pressure checks and referrals where necessary, as well as treatment for conditions such as impetigo, sore throats, urinary tract infections, sinusitis, shingles and infected insect bites.
“It’s clear to me that initiatives like Pharmacy First are an important step forward in preventative medicine and in treating minor ailments, helping to free up GP appointments for more urgent cases.”
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