Cheap generic pharmacy online

Anger at pharmacy go-ahead

 

29-May-2007: A NEW pharmacy has been given the go-ahead in a Suffolk village despite a massive campaign to stop it.

The news is a bitter blow for the doctors and staff of the Glemsford and Hartest Surgery, near Sudbury, who have campaigned to block the move - an 1,800-signature petition was collected.

They had argued a new dispensary in Glemsford could threaten the existing pharmacy attached to the local practice - and the surgery itself.

According to regulations, up to half of the existing customers would be transferred to the new facility.

Doctors have estimated Glemsford and Hartest Surgery would lose up to a quarter of its income - endangering the whole medical service in the village.

Caroline Thornberry, head of contractor services for Suffolk Primary Care Trust, said: "The Pharmacy and Dispensing Committee, acting on behalf of the Suffolk Primary Care Trust, has approved an application by Suhaib Abdullah to open a pharmacy in Glemsford.

"The committee heard the views of local GPs and were aware of those expressed by local residents.

"The decision that the application be approved was made based on the available information and the criteria as set out in the regulations. There is a right of appeal."

A spokeswoman for the surgery said: "Our objections are substantial and our support from the community has been huge.

"We gathered the 1,800 signatures for the petition in only two weeks which has been fantastic."

Among the doctors' biggest concern is that their "one stop service", in which a patient can be seen by their GP and collect their prescription all at the same time, is now under threat.

The spokeswoman added: "The surgery benefits from a low list size per doctor and this assists in the provision of same day appointments high quality care and patient satisfaction.

"The doctors together with their experienced team have shown commitment to the area and the practice over many years by continually reinvested in both premises and services."

The surgery was unable to comment whether they would appeal the decision.

Source: East Anglian Daily Times