A pharmacy in Aberaeron has become the first in Wales to gain recognition for its work with carers.

Mrs Bernadine Rees OBE, Chair of Hywel Dda University Health Board presented staff from Boots the Chemist with their Investors in Carers (IiC) Certificate.

The store is the first pharmacy in Wales to gain this accreditation for its work in identifying and supporting unpaid Carers in the local community.

The IiC scheme is being operated across the Hywel Dda region with nearly all GP surgeries in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire already gaining accreditation. The scheme is now being rolled out to pharmacies and selected hospital wards across the region.

In awarding the certificate Mrs Rees said: “I am delighted to be making the award which is my first official presentation as Chair of Hywel Dda and Carers Champion for the Board.

“I support the promotion of this initiative which helps address the unmet needs of carers by helping people realise there is support available to help them continue to care for close family and friends. “

Mr McConnell agreed that the scheme had opened his and his team's eyes to the role that unpaid Carers undertake and they were keen to maintain the work they had started.