In response to the closure of two pharmacies in Glastonbury, there has been a significant push for enhanced pharmacy provision in the area. Sarah Dyke, the Liberal Democrat MP for Glastonbury and Somerton, has put forward an Early Day Motion in Parliament advocating for increased pharmacy services in the town.
The closure of two local pharmacies last year resulted in a healthcare crisis, which was compounded by the delay in the opening of a new high street pharmacy due to an appeal. However, following a recent announcement by NHS Resolution, the new pharmacy has been given the green light to proceed.
The decline in pharmacy provision on a national scale is also a cause for concern, with an average of ten local pharmacies closing their doors weekly between January and April 2024. In real terms, funding for pharmacies has decreased by 40% over the past decade.
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The Liberal Democrats have urged the incoming Labour Government to prioritize an emergency Health and Social Care Budget to address the issues within the NHS. Sarah Dyke emphasized the necessity for additional support for pharmacies, highlighting the insufficient capacity of the remaining pharmacy to cater to the town’s needs.
She stressed the need for a fair and sustainable funding model for pharmacies, advocating the Pharmacy First approach to provide patients with more accessible routine services and alleviate the strain on GPs.