I recently met Dame Andrea Leadsom DBE MP, Minister for Public Health, to discuss the inadequate provision of pharmaceutical services for residents of the Merrow and Burpham area.
I raised the communications I have received from residents since both the closure of the Lloyds Pharmacy within Sainsbury’s and the closure of the pharmacy at Kingfisher Drive compounded the challenges being faced at the Epsom Road pharmacy.
I share residents’ concerns and frustrations, which is why I have asked Andrea to write to Karen McDowell, Chief Executive of NHS Surrey Heartlands ICB, to express the urgency of the situation and to ensure extra pharmaceutical provision can be secured.
In the meantime, I look forward to hearing whether Nikhil and Richard’s application to open a new pharmacy at Kingfisher Drive succeeds, and whether Zohib Sheikh’s appeal to the ICB regarding its decision to reject his proposal to open a pharmacy is successful.
I will continue to keep residents updated as the situation develops.