Pharmacy report 'not what public are seeing'

QUESTIONS AS ASSESSMENT CLAIMS CITY HAS ENOUGH CHEMISTS TO MEET DEMAND

- By ALISON STEPHENSON Local Democracy Reporter

PLYMOUTH has enough pharmacy provision in all areas except Barne Barton despite the closure of seven pharmacies in the last three years.

That's according to a pharmaceutical needs assessment (PNA) that will inform decision-making by the Integrated Care Board (ICB) over the next three years.

Plymouth City Council's health and wellbeing board accepted the asssessment at a recent meeting, following a consultation with health and social care professionals.

But there are concerns about queues at a pharmacy in Plympton and whether there would be enough capacity for Sherford which will have 5,500 homes when fully built.

The PNA says with 47 outlets, there is sufficient choice of pharmacies in the city, including a new one at Cattedown.

The exception was Barne Barton had a lack of medical provision because of deprivation and geographic isolation, councillors were told. Increased costs and difficulties in recruiting and retaining pharmacists were among the reasons that seven pharmacies closed in a short period of time.