A pharmacist with more than 14 years experience will help clients at the Bermuda Diabetes Resource Centre.

Maria Bootle will be running the Centre which is a one-of-a-kind on the Island specialising in the treatment of Diabetes and diabetes-related illnesses.

Before assuming this role, Ms Bootle was a Nuclear Pharmacist for Cardinal Health and before that was in charge of clinical trials with the National Institute of Health in the United States for Statscript Pharmacy.

She is also certified as an HIV/AIDS pharmacist.

Ms Bootle said she is thrilled to be taking the position, which will see her managing the day-to-day operation of the pharmacy.

She said: "I have assumed many roles as a pharmacist for 14 years and I love what I do.

"I am looking forward to working closely with patients in the diabetes community to treat their medical conditions and to offer health advice that will improve their quality of life."

Ms Bootle will manage all aspects of the Centre including the dispensing of medications and will also provide one-on-one counselling and education to patients with a particular focus on the latest developments in treatment options and medication for diabetes and diabetes-related illnesses.

The pharmacy, located on the corner of Dundonald Street and Cedar Avenue, will operate Monday through Friday and the pharmacist will be available from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Sarah Burrows, Programme Manager with the Bermuda Diabetes Association, said Ms Bootles experience will be a great benefit to their patients.

She said: "We are extremely excited to announce the appointment of Ms. Bootle as pharmacist with the Bermuda Diabetes Resource Centre.

"Our focus is on managing and treating diabetes and those conditions that are associated with diabetes, and that makes the Bermuda Diabetes Resource Centre a unique facility.