On Tuesday 10 September Margaret Mullane MP attended a Parliamentary drop-in session in support of Community Pharmacies. Across Dagenham and Rainham there are currently 21 Community Pharmacies in operation, delivering a vital service for local people.
Following the launch of Pharmacy First in January this year (2024), Community Pharmacies have been offering consultations on seven common conditions such as shingles, sinusitis, impetigo, and uncomplicated UTIs in women. Since the launch it is anticipated that local pharmacies have saved approximately 509 GP appointments.
However, Community Pharmacy England have highlighted that core pharmacy funding has decreased in real terms by 30% since 2016 with costs spiralling, pushing many Community Pharmacies to the brink of closure or service reductions.
Margaret Mullane MP said: “The drop-in event was very informative and painted a clear picture of the issues facing our Community Pharmacies. I have the pleasure of knowing many of our local pharmacists and regularly hear about the fantastic service they provide from my constituents.
The NHS is already under immense pressure, and closing pharmacies could see this exacerbated in areas like Dagenham and Rainham. In the coming days I will be writing to the Minister responsible for community pharmacies and urging support to help keep their doors open. I will also be reaching out locally to see what other support I can give as the Member of Parliament.”
Find out more about the work of Community Pharmacy England: https://cpe.org.uk/
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