Davey To Meet With Local Pharmacists

20.5.03

Local MP accuses Government of time wasting over future of local pharmacies

Edward Davey, Liberal Democrat MP for Kingston and Surbiton, is shortly to meet with local pharmacists to discuss the next stage in the strategy of opposition to the recommendations of the OFT report that threatens to axe many local pharmacies. The Government has refused to announce its final decision until the summer, leaving many pharmacists in Kingston and Surbiton confused and uncertain about their future, and prompting Edward Davey to accuse them of 'time wasting' and 'threatening the future of traditional communities.'

The meeting will focus on issues and concerns put to Edward Davey by anxious constituents. The primary users of local pharmacies are the elderly alongside the infirm and socially disadvantaged. In 1999 52% of prescriptions were written for patients over 60 years old. 80% of people over the age of 75 take at least at least one prescription based medicine, with 36% taking four or more. Coupled with the closure of many local Post Offices, there is a real fear in Kingston that the traditional community is seriously at risk.

Edward Davey MP commented:

"These figures are evidence that the recommendations of the OFT report would be a disaster for many of my elderly constituents who depend on their local pharmacy because it is nearby and becayse of the professional advice available. These are the issue that we will be discussing in detail at the forthcoming meeting.

"The Government needs to consider, what is more important: maintaining our local pharmacies, which deliver effective local healthcare to many of the most vulnerable members of the community, or letting big supermarket chains strengthen their stranglehold?

"Combined with the programme of closures in the Post Office, it seems the Government at the moment are doing all they can to destroy our communities."