MP and Kingston's pharmacists campaign together

17.06.03

Davey consults local Pharmacists, as campaign gathers pace

Kingston and Surbiton's Liberal Democrat MP Edward Davey, last week met with local pharmacists to discuss the campaign to save our community pharmacies.

The meeting, attended by local pharmacists from Kingston and Surbiton and members of the Primary Care Trust, was an opportunity for pharmacists to express their concerns and worries over the OFT proposals that recommend the liberalisation of the pharmaceutical sector and the abolition of entry controls into the pharmacy sector in order to open up competition.

Edward Davey MP commented:

"I was grateful to the pharmacists and the Primary Care Trust for this very positive meeting.

"As the elderly and the infirm are the most affected by the closure of pharmacies and lack of accessibility, we must press forward on this issue and voice their concerns.

"There was unanimous opposition to the OFT proposals, with real fears that it would damage key health services for local people.

"Ministers are expected to make their final decision on the controversial issue within weeks.

"I believe it is essential that we press home this campaign to remove this damaging threat"