Glastonbury's new Lib Dem MP calls for increased pharmacy provision
Sarah Dyke has tabled a parliamentary motion
Glastonbury and Somerton's new Liberal Democrat MP is putting forward a motion in parliament demanding increased pharmacy provision.
Sarah Dyke says it's due to the inability of the one remaining pharmacy in the town to meet the needs of residents.
Two of the town’s pharmacies closed last year and the opening of a new high street pharmacy has been delayed due to an appeal. Following a hearing, NHS Resolution announced earlier this month that the new pharmacy could go ahead.
Pharmacy provision nationally has declined over recent years, with the equivalent of ten local pharmacies closing their doors every week between January and April 2024 and real terms funding decreasing by 40% over the last decade.
Sarah Dyke’s Early Day Motion comes after the Liberal Democrats demanded the incoming Labour Government immediately put forward an emergency Health and Social Care Budget to fix the broken NHS.
The Glastonbury and Somerton MP said: “Last year two pharmacies shut down in Glastonbury, leaving only one remaining, which clearly cannot serve the needs of a town of this size."
"I am delighted that plans to open another pharmacy in Glastonbury can now go ahead, but it is clear we need greater support for pharmacies, in order to avoid more closures in the future.
“The Liberal Democrats have called for a fairer and more sustainable long-term funding model for pharmacies, built on the Pharmacy First approach. This would give patients more accessible routine services, while easing the pressures on GPs.”