Pharmacy Fight Goes On
As we previously reported in the Pulse, patients at Leatside Surgery have been signing a petition to urge a rethink on a decision NOT to allow a third pharmacy to open in Totnes.
More than a thousand have signed so far but the organisers want many more to do so. The campaign is now stepping up a gear with the call out – in The Leat newsletter – for personal examples of how the lack of a pharmacy at the surgery is affecting people. The Pulse revealed that the Devon Integrated Care Board had said YES to the plan by Devon-based PharmaDerma to open up, filling the gap left by Boots closing. Making 15000 patients very happy.
But the parent company of Well Pharmacy, Bestway National Chemists Ltd, appealed that decision to a body called NHS Resolution.
NHS Resolution, based in London, agreed with Bestway that there really wasn’t a need for a third chemist in the town. Mike Mintrum, chair of the Leatside Patient Group, points out that there are many examples of long queues at Morrisons and Well, shortage of medicines and for those with mobility problems, difficulties in getting to these pharmacies.
Well doesn’t open at weekends and Morrisons closes at lunchtime. Mr Mintrum stresses that the staff of Well have operated their pharmacy as best they could in challenging circumstances.
He says in the newsletter: “It is interesting to note that NHS Resolution quotes its purpose as “to provide expertise to the NHS to resolve concerns fairly, share learning for improvement and preserve resources for patient care.” “The patient group does not believe NHS Resolution has achieved this purpose, having a different perspective to the Devon based ICB.” He goes on: “We are told there is no appeal to the NHS Resolution decision, and we consider this to be an affront to natural justice.”
Hence the call to arms to get the Health Secretary to overturn the decision. MP Caroline Voaden is backing the campaign.
If you have a tale of pharmacy woe, you can contact chairlplgleatside@gmail.com and help reverse the decision to block a third pharmacy in Totnes.
You can also sign the petition at https://chng.it/d7JCk6t4pS
Top Feature Photo by Emir Bozkurt: Modified by Peter Shearn
[…] situation in Totnes and one he hoped would add weight to the campaign for a third pharmacy. As reported in the Pulse, one arm of the NHS agreed there should be a new pharmacy to replace Boots, but another arm – NHS […]
if possible and you have a computer/Smartphone use a company like PharmacytoU approved by NHS. After going to your surgery website ordering your repeat prescription(s) which are then approved by your Dr and then delivered to your address by Royal Mail. Quick and efficient. If you cant do it enlist your children/grandchildren!!! Hassle free!