A Rowlands Pharmacy in North Wales has been forced to open in a portacabin following ‘considerable damage’ caused by a fire at its usual site.

The temporary measure means the pharmacy in Rhos-on-Sea can continue to operate before it reopens at the end of the month.

A fire broke out at the premises on the evening of 21 August – the cause of which is not yet known, and investigations are ongoing.

A spokesperson at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, under which the pharmacy operates, said: ‘Unfortunately, everything was lost in the fire and we kindly ask for your patience whilst the team works hard to reorder and restock.

‘Due to the limited supply of medicines, processing prescriptions may take a bit longer and if you need medication urgently, please inform the team at the earliest opportunity.’

They said the pharmacy ordering system was also lost in the fire and urged the public to seek repeat prescriptions seven days before they are needed.

The board and those running the pharmacy confirmed the Rhos-on-Sea service had reopened temporarily in a portacabin located outside the damaged premises on Friday.

A spokesperson at Phoenix Medical Supplies Limited, which owns Rowlands Pharmacy, said the fire had caused ‘considerable damage’ but that all colleagues and residents of the flats above were safe.

They said they appreciated the ‘ongoing support from the community as we work through this challenging situation’ and confirmed a reopening event for the pharmacy would be taking place later this month.