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Pharmacy Provision: Hampton
26 July 2024
Lead MP
Munira Wilson
Debate Type
Adjournment Debate
Tags
NHSHousingTransport
Other Contributors: 1
At a Glance
Munira Wilson raised concerns about pharmacy provision: hampton in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
Munira Wilson addressed the closure of two Boots pharmacies in Hampton, a ward with significant social housing and limited public transport. The closures increased travel time for elderly patients to nearly an hour by foot or unreliable bus services. She cited Healthwatch Richmond's survey revealing that residents faced long queues and delivery issues. Data from the Community Chemists’ Association showed over 1,200 pharmacy closures since 2015, with a significant funding shortfall of £67,000 per pharmacy leading to pharmacist financial strain. Wilson also criticised NHS England’s lack of transparency in informing local health bodies about new applications and closures, resulting in delays and inadequate responses.
No extracted contribution text available for this contributor yet.
Government Response
The Minister acknowledged the importance of community pharmacies and pledged to support pharmacists in expanding their roles. He committed to training all newly qualified pharmacists for prescribing qualifications within two years. The Government aims to enhance primary care services, moving from hospital-based treatment towards community healthcare. Gwynne highlighted that despite closures, 80% of people live within a 20-minute walk of a pharmacy but noted the disparity in service access across different regions and rural areas. He promised to keep a close eye on Hampton’s situation and review regulatory frameworks for improvement. The Minister also mentioned ongoing discussions with NHS England regarding funding solutions and expressed commitment to engaging stakeholders, including pharmacists, in transforming healthcare delivery.
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House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.