By Neil Trainis

A resident in the Welsh village of Talybont has started an online petition in an attempt to get a pharmacist who was allegedly sacked by the local community pharmacy reinstated.

The petition launched last month by Valerie Michelle James, which has attracted 498 signatures, claimed Cerian Screen (pictured) was dismissed by Talybont Pharmacy “for advocating for a patient.”

The pharmacy’s owner Gary Jones told Independent Community Pharmacist he could not comment on the circumstances surrounding Ms Screen’s departure from his pharmacy but insisted he was “a professional pharmacist." ICP has contacted Ms Screen for a response.

The petition said: “Our local pharmacist Cerian has been dismissed from her post in Talybont Pharmacy for advocating for a patient. Anyone that has ever been in to Talybont Pharmacy and spoken with or got advice/support from Cerian will know how passionate and dedicated Cerian is, and how much of an asset she is to our community. Cerian has helped so many of us now it's our turn to help her.”

According to Cambrian News, around 50 villagers protested outside Talybont Pharmacy and the petition drew messages of support from residents.

One said: “Cerian always has the best interest of the community at heart - a community that she knows so well after being with us so long.”

Another said: “Cerian is a huge asset to the local community. She saves so much time for the GPs but doesn't hesitate to tell you when you must contact your GP. She listens and is always reliable with prescriptions unlike some pharmacies in the local are. She is the most caring person. We need her.”

Ms Screen was a finalist in the Independent Pharmacist of the Year category at last year’s Independent Pharmacy Awards. She was a horse-riding instructor until she decided to change career at the age of 30.