Save Our Pharmacies campaign launched (Hemel Hempstead)

At the very time the NHS is facing a Winter crisis and the Government is encouraging people to use pharmacists to relieve pressure on GPs and A&E, why is the Government cutting the money it gives to pharmacies?

Last December cuts started hitting local chemist shops as part of a £170 million reduction in NHS funding to pharmacies. The £25,000 a year per shop establishment payment is being phased out with the first cut of £5,000 made last December with another £5,000 cut due to happen this year.

Hemel Hempstead Liberal Democrats have launched a petition to express people's anger over these cuts. You can sign the petition at signme.org.uk/1288

Cllr Ron Tindall, who put a motion in November to save local pharmacies to Dacorum Council says, "Cutting money to local pharmacies is yet another demonstration of the Government's failure to understand the inter-connectivity of the various parts of the National Health Service. Together with their failure to adequately fund Social Care, these cuts will only increase the strain on hospitals and GP practices at a time when the NHS is already in crisis."

Health campaigner Iain Smith added, "Local community pharmacies are vital to keep older frail and elderly people independent. These chemist shops need to be accessible and at the heart of our community."