LLOYD’S Pharmacy in Cavendish Square has been nominated by residents to receive a Let’s Loop Swindon award in recognition of the efforts made to cater for those with hearing difficulties.

The scheme, launched by campaign group Let’s Loop Swindon, aims to promote local shops and businesses that use a hearing loop system to make the lives of their customers easier.

Those who are selected will be invited to attend an awards ceremony to be held at The Civic Offices on November 18.

A proud Christine Arthur, manager of Lloyd’s Pharmacy’s Cavendish Square store, said: “We have a good loop system here that always works very well and we are all very pleased to be recognised by people in the community.

“At the pharmacy we are not here simply to count tablets and hand out prescriptions. The hearing loop is just one of the other services we offer and it’s great to be able to help people in this way.

“Having a good, reliable hearing loop means that anyone can come into the store. It puts people at ease because they know they will be able to understand what goes on and have a proper conversation with staff and customers.”

The hearing loop system allows users to tune their hearing aid to a frequency that picks up the microphones being used by store staff at their checkouts.

Tim Mason, chairman of Let’s Loop Steering Group, said: “From the commencement of Let’s Loop Swindon we have believed that pharmacies are an important area where loops should be operating.

“This is because vital instructions are given to patients which need to be heard and understood. We have been very impressed at how the Lloyd’s chemist in Cavendish Square has made this a priority.”

Christine added: “If you have a problem with your hearing it can be very difficult even at the best of times. These awards are a really good way of promoting hearing loops and making people aware of some of the challenges faced by people with hearing disabilities.”

Jody Collis, healthcare assistant at Lloyd’s, said: “I think the awards are a really good idea and should make more people aware of hearing loops.”

To nominate a shop, business or individual for an award, nominators are asked to consider the two following questions: ‘Where did you have the best hearing experience in Swindon?’ and ‘Why did you have a good hearing experience in Swindon?’

Email your answers along with details of the nominee to thomas.haworth@swindonadvertiser.co.uk, call 01793 501774 or post your nominations in to The Adver office at 100 Victoria Road, Old Town, SN1 3BE before November 4.