Converting the pharmacy of today into a healthcare delivery point.

Converting a pharmacy offers the opportunity to build today’s pharmacy.

From prescription pharmacy to low threshold health centre

Justine Coolman and Martijn Logghe are taking over an existing pharmacy in Eernegem and purchasing the adjacent building to add a healthcare centre. In doing so, they are confidently taking the step towards the pharmacy of today, with a greater focus on healthcare and medical aids. The young and ambitious couple are responding to the trend, which started during the covid pandemic, to be much more than just a “prescription pharmacist”.

However, there is still an important role for the family pharmacist who takes the time to talk to his customers (by their first name) at the counter and helps them with their prescriptions. But there is a lot more to it than that. The scope for over-the-counter products is growing, a development in which the pharmacist has an advisory role to play.

In addition, customers’ needs and wishes are rapidly evolving. It is not easy to have a confidential conversation at the counter. The space needed for testing is not always available, and there is not always time and space for a conversation about health and beauty products. Not to mention workshops and demonstrations, which may need to take place outside of opening hours. These new activities do not fit into the traditional layout of a pharmacy, although they are increasingly called for.

Expanding the pharmacy with a healthcare delivery point

Justine and Martijn know what they want, and they set the bar very high for their conversion from the get-go. In order to expand the pharmacy, they are taking over with a healthcare delivery point, they are buying the property next door, which used to be a bank branch. Which is a stroke of good luck, as it’s rare the find that an adjacent building is up for sale. In addition, it is a challenge to reconcile the existing and the new situation. The new section needs to be in response to the need for a pharmacy that is the multifunctional pharmacy of today, whereas the existing section needs to remain open for business during the works.

“Working in the confidential space is a lot more pleasurable. I feel greatly energised.” Justine Coolman

From a technical angle too, there are a number of major wishes and aspects. The staircase and the robot sit at the centre of where the two buildings are being joined. The overall picture needs to be a harmonious whole, with the façade as the exponent. Which also requires a building permit. Given that this is a comprehensive renovation, the additional request is not long in coming: tackle the flat on the upper floor as well. And if possible, stay well within the planned timeframe and the agreed budget.

Only an integrated approach can deliver on this.

For these kinds of undertakings, you need a partner who is able to handle the project as a whole. From analysis, design, production, fitting, handover and evaluation. Covering administration, planning permission application and budget, all the way up to proper planning and the right people. All of these requirements add up to a quest for a company with a lot of experience under its belt. Studio Clement has the know-how and expertise to complete this journey. Work is started immediately. The existing pharmacy remains primarily the health-oriented part.

The extension offers space for consultation with three separate areas for confidential conversations. Incontinence supplies for instance can now be discussed in the strictest confidence. There will be an impressive home care facility with an integrated Ortho shop where sports nutrition, cosmetics and care products will assume their rightful place. A fitting room will be added, where customers can try on orthopaedic shoes or a brace in a calm and peaceful private environment.

“For the first renovation of our lives, we didn’t want to take any risks. We decided on a single dedicated contact with a wealth of experience when it comes to taking an integrated approach.” Martijn Logghe

The two newly created spaces can be closed off separately. This means that the multipurpose space can be accessed when the pharmacy is closed, like for evening workshops for example. It has a separate cash register for selling cosmetics as part of a workshop for instance. Tactically, it’s all very well thought out. More sensitive products should not be sold in “the traditional section”. And in terms of circulation, customers have no choice but to use the entrance via the new section and they need to exit via the existing building. Which means they need to pass by all the new features before they reach the traditional counter.

In terms of materials, we went with natural oak and black marble for the renovation. Carefully designed and sophisticated lighting bathes the interiors in a warm atmosphere. The durable furniture exudes solidity. Typical of Studio Clement.

Martijn had already spent five years working in the pharmacy before the takeover and it’s where Justine did her internship. So they weren’t really new faces to the clientele. Finally, we’ll let Justine have the last word. ‘The customers told us they enjoyed seeing the works progress. Which was possible because the pharmacy remained open during the renovations. They were curious about the end result, and we got a lot of compliments in the meantime. We are pleased and fully on track; the project has been very rewarding.”

If you are considering a renovation or a completely new design, get in touch with us.