I have written Zohib Sheikh, a local pharmacist from Woking who recently applied to open a new pharmacy in Burpham, in support of his appeal of the ICB’s decision to reject his proposal. It is clear that the Burpham and Merrow area is not serviced adequately with appropriate pharmaceutical provisions, and it is hard to understand why his application was rejected.
I have also written to Karen McDowell, Acting Chief Executive of the NHS Surrey Heartlands Integrated Care Board (ICB), again following my previous letter to her to which I have not received a response.
As the situation is now critical, I am requesting a meeting with Karen as a matter of urgency so that I can voice the concerns that I am receiving from residents each day who are understandably distressed at the inadequate state of pharmaceutical services in the area.
Whilst I welcome the government’s launch of the Pharmacy First scheme last week, which will enable pharmacists to prescribe for minor illnesses to free up GP appointments, I’m acutely aware that these reforms will only benefit residents in Guildford and our villages when there is adequate provision.
I will keep residents updated as to how the situation develops.
Click here to view the letters I sent.