07466 026-088 info@bertsapothecary.co.uk Trident Industrial Park, Glass Avenue, Cardiff, CF24 5EN

The Story Behind Berts Apothecary

From Pipettes to Purpose: A Journey Through Care

Many moons ago (let’s not get too specific), I was a teenager with a head full of hope and a shelf full of flower remedies. I’d use tiny pipettes to drop tinctures onto my tongue, convinced that tree bark could solve anything. I hatched a rough, scratchy plan: train as a nurse, then ‘top up’ with complementary healthcare courses.

Well… I got a bit sidetracked. The flower remedies tasted awful.

After qualifying as a nurse, I dove headfirst into the NHS. I did wards. I did community nursing. I still remember the faces, the night shifts, the panic, the laughter, the stern-faced senior nurses—and always trying to do everything possible to make someone better.

Then came the prison years. (It wasn’t exactly accidental—more a result of a grumpy surgeon, a manager with the emotional depth of a puddle, and an Australian Occupational Therapist who thought she ran the place.) From there, I found myself in sexual health, and that led to 17 years working in sexual health and HIV.

Then came COVID. My sister was washing vegetables in the bath with kitchen cleaner. It echoed the early days of HIV—uncertainty, fear, improvisation. I returned to the wards, working night shifts on the COVID assessment unit. After that, I dabbled in occupational health and wellbeing, supporting NHS staff through their own frustrations and fatigue. Eventually, I returned to HIV care and helped develop a new annual review process for people living with HIV.

And now? Now it’s time to build something of my own.

What I’ve Learned

Flower remedies alone don’t work. Medications alone don’t work either—unless you’re motivated, secure, and supported enough to take them. That’s the bio-psycho-social approach. Back in nursing school, they called it holistic care. It’s what the NHS strives for, but it’s too big, too busy, too overwhelmed.

I’ve been lucky to know many of my patients for years. I’ve seen them grow from scared, wounded beauties into confident, healthy gods. It hasn’t always been easy—but the drama lies in the life. Sometimes, we just need someone to listen, help, and guide us.

Why Berts Apothecary

It’s a space for reflection, resilience, and real conversations. A place where wellbeing isn’t rushed, and where holistic care finally gets the time it deserves. We all know life can be challenging, it maybe stress from work, home, relationships or friendships. At Berts we also acknowledge the strain of trying to ‘keep healthy’. Just the act of ‘trying to be healthy’ becomes stressful. Worrying that you’ve not been to the gym you pay for. Or the feeling of dread if you need to fit into some clothes you’ve not worn for months.

The new weight loss treatments have changed peoples’ lives (and their knees). People don’t feel controlled by the ‘hunger monster’ in their head. They can eat sensible portions and not feel short changed by it. At Berts there is the space to discuss your relationship with food. We also know that you need to build muscle for success on the weight loss treatments.

Our Values

I created Berts Apothecary to do just that:

  • To listen
  • To help
  • To direct
    • About

    But who is Bert

    My nickname growing up was Stew Berto Ruberto. This got shortened to Stewberto, and then got shortened again to Bert. Thus we have Berts Apothecary. Thanks for reading this and thank you to my friends and family for helping me to help you.

    Services
    Featured Services

    What We Do


    Weight Loss Treatments

    Our weight loss services go far beyond the numbers. We offer personalised, evidence-based solutions including:

  • GLP-1: therapies guided by blood and gut data
  • Nutrition: plans tailored to your microbiome
  • Lifestyle: strategies to support sustained fat loss and energy balance

    • Our approach is rooted in diagnostics and real-world results. We focus on metabolic health, long-term outcomes, and empowering you through education.


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    DoxyPEP

    Doxycycline as a preventive protocol (DoxyPEP) is used to reduce the risk of certain infections before exposure. What’s covered:

  • Clinical: guidance and safety assessment
  • Who it's for: sexually active individuals or frequent travellers
  • Ongoing: support and follow-up

    • This service is rooted in clear science and compassionate care. Ask us more during your consultation.


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    Wellbeing Consultations

    Life’s challenges rarely exist in isolation — our work, relationships, and health are deeply connected. Our Wellbeing Consultation offers a safe, supportive space to explore these links and discover practical ways to improve your overall quality of life.

    Using motivational interviewing, we work together to uncover what truly matters to you, identify your own reasons for change, and build on your strengths. This is not about being told what to do — it’s about being heard, understood, and empowered to take the next step that feels right for you.


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    Wellbeing Checkup

    Our Wellbeing Check‑Up is designed to give you a clear picture of your current health and help you make informed choices for the future. This appointment includes a consultation and a set of key blood tests:

  • U&Es (Urea & Electrolytes): Checks kidney function and the balance of essential minerals like sodium and potassium, which are vital for heart, nerve, and muscle health.
  • LFTs (Liver Function Tests): Assesses how well your liver is working and can help detect inflammation, damage, or other underlying issues early.
  •  FBC (Full Blood Count): Measures red and white blood cells and platelets, helping to identify signs of anaemia, infection, or other blood‑related conditions.

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