'We want more help to protect Medway's pharmacies from closure' - say's Lib Dems campaigner
Liberal Democrats are deeply concerned about the unprecedented pressures facing community pharmacies in England. In the past 2 years alone the number of pharmacies in England has fallen by over 160. There are now just 11,000 community chemists operating in England – the lowest number since 2015.
Millions of people and families rely on their local pharmacies for over-the-counter everyday medicines, regular prescriptions and reassuring advice on a walk-in basis. For those with especially busy or difficult lives, pharmacies are often the closest and most accessible place to get health advice. For those who may struggle to engage with appointment-only services, a chance pop-in can save lives.
Stuart Bourne, Medway Liberal Democrat campaigner said' "Community pharmacies in Medway are a vital part of our local health services and our high streets. Community pharmacies can improve people’s health and reduce pressure on NHS hospitals and GPs.
With many local residents finding it more difficult to get face to face GP appointments, and other health services stretched beyond breaking point, it is more important than ever that the Government supports community pharmacies to ensure medicines, clinical services and medical advice can be accessed locally.
Since 2016, three pharmacies have been closed in Gillingham and Rainham (13%) putting immense pressure on pharmacies that are already stretched with increased patient demand, rising operational costs and reduced Government support."
Medway Liberal Democrats are urging the council to write to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care to;
- Request urgent emergency funding to keep pharmacies in Medway open, and reverse closures where they are needed.
- Empower local fully qualified pharmacists with greater prescribing rights and public health advisory responsibilities, to prevent costly and avoidable hospital admissions and free up GP time to focus on more urgent requests.
- Develop a long-term plan for pharmacy services to put them on a sustainable financial footing, building on the ‘Pharmacy First’ approach in Scotland.
- Conduct a Government review of the pressures facing pharmacies in England to assess the impact of pharmacy closures under this Conservative Government.
ENDS
Sources:
- BBC article on pressures facing English Pharmacies https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-65481473