Famous Chesterfield town centre business completes move to new home

Pharmacy John Dent had served the community from New Square in Chesterfield town centre since 1903 – but was facing closure three years ago when staff were given warning they could lose their jobs.

The pharmacy side of the business was secured through a link-up with Chesterfield’s Avenue House Surgery and the relocation to the surgery’s home on Saltergate has now taken place.

Administration manager Jayne Boyer said the move had been a ‘crazy day’ but all the stock and equipment has now successfully been moved to a Portakbin in the surgery’s car park – where the pharmacy will be based initially.

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"The company directors are so grateful with all we have done in these crazy times as it hasn't been easy to be honest,” Jayne said.

“We are now up and running in our Portakabin. The team of Helen McConnachie, Lynne Steele, Ethna Nugent, Catherine Pearce, Stewart Burton and myself feel very settled now and we are continuing to provide the great customer service Dent's have pride in, and are building a great working relationship with Avenue House Surgery.”

Although downsizing has meant a reduction in stock, Jayne says the business will still sell a ‘good range’ of over the counter medicinal products, and continues its vital delivery service to the elderly and housebound.

Jayne said: "We have been having teething problems with our phone line.

"Currently calls are being forwarded to a mobile, which when we are in a metal building is not the best but hopefully this will be resolved very soon, so if customers can keep trying the number and hopefully it will come through.

“There has been progress with regard to the next chapter in Dent's future, they have started demolishing part of the surgery in order to make room for our brand new pharmacy extension which will be open later this year.”

Jayne also spoke of her sadness at the loss of Dent’s photographic business – which unfortunately has not survived the move from the town centre.

“We wish all our colleagues all the best for the future in whatever they do and they will be truly missed,” she added.

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