Isle of Wight MP asks the Government again for assistance to protect local pharmacies from closure

Please read below details from a recently posted 'My Newsletter' published by Bob Seely MP relating to the Westminster Hall debate on 11th March 2021.

I have asked the Government again for assistance to protect local pharmacies from closure.

Despite the significant role pharmacies are playing as they remain open during the coronavirus pandemic it is estimated that the cost to them of doing so is around £370 million nationally. It is feared three-quarters of independent pharmacies could be forced to close within the next 12 months while up to 85% of community pharmacies could be in financial deficit by 2024.

Pharmacies, especially independent pharmacies, are a friendly, valued and, above all, trusted voice. For the NHS and the nation, they take pressure off accident and emergency departments, GP surgeries and other parts of the health service.

At a modest cost, they deliver very significant benefits. They are a critical part of primary care that pays significant dividends, as well as alleviating pressure elsewhere.

Whilst support from the Government has been pledged, it is yet to arrive, leaving an average financial deficit of £32,000 per pharmacy.

Other parts of the NHS such as GPs have had £197.5 million in costs reimbursed across 6,800 practices as a result of not being physically open. NHS dentists have also received permanent payments for lost revenue as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Pharmacies have not yet received the same level of support.

Pharmacies need certainty. We have six independent pharmacies on the Island and they are all highly valued but I worry for their future and the impact potential closures could have on the communities they serve.

The Covid-19 crisis has led to a considerable backlog for patients across the NHS. Properly funded, pharmacies are ideally placed to step in and take on a greater clinical role in treating minor and chronic illnesses as well as taking on public health and prevention initiatives, allowing doctors and hospitals to focus on tackling the backlog of cancer patients and others with critical illnesses.

I have written to the Health Secretary and the Chancellor to seek their support on the issue.