Owners of Harrow pharmacy fear closure will harm community's 'most vulnerable people'

A pharmacy in South Harrow told visiting MP Gareth Thomas it fears for the community's "most vulnerable people" as the government proposes to axe 3,000 pharmacies across the country.

The Department of Health announced in December 2015 announced cuts to pharmacies of £170 million, which would result in their closure.

Although a decision has not been made as yet, pharmacists, residents and campaigners from the area gathered at Shaftesbury Pharmacy to voice their concerns.

Superintendent pharmacist Lila Thakerar MBE said: "Your local pharmacy is more than just a place to get medicines.

"It provides a range of NHS services and ensures you can get face-to-face, healthcare professional advice without an appointment.

"Most pharmacies now have consultation rooms, where you can talk with your pharmacist without being overheard."

She added: "What’s more, pharmacies are part of the fabric of local communities.

"They provide local employment and are a health and social care asset close to where people live, work and shop."

MP Mr Thomas, who visited the site on Thursday (March 31), met with pharmaceutical staff and GPs to discuss what they called the government's "dangerous experiment".

'Efficiencies needed'

Resident Robert Flynn who has used west London pharmacies for over 10 years said the Royal Pharmaceutical Society are right to say it will place more pressure on GPs and A&E departments.

The 62-year-old said: "It's difficult enough to get an appointment as it is, so a lot of us get advice from our pharmacies first.

"Taking that away from us will only make it worse for our doctors."

But former Health Minister Alistair Burt, who made the announcement, said other changes need to be considered, such as click-and-collect, so people can file prescriptions online.

A Department of Health spokesperson said: "We are investing record amounts in the NHS, but the whole health and care sector must make efficiencies to fulfil the NHS's own five-year plan.

"We want to improve the way patients access their medicines, through click-and-collect as well as being able to see pharmacists in care homes, GP surgeries and A&E.

"There is no estimate of the number of pharmacies operating in coming years and with NHS England we are consulting on a scheme to give better support to isolated or rural pharmacies."