Community pharmacies play a vital role – especially in rural areas like Mid Norfolk.

That’s why I share the serious concerns of many in and around Watton following Boots’ withdrawal of their pharmacy at the start of this year. Given the scale of new development in the town, it’s clear that the remaining Total Health Pharmacy on Gregor Shanks Way is not, on its own, sufficient to cater for the needs of the local community. More needs to be done.

Despite reassurances given to me by the ICB prior to Christmas, the local pressures continue – with a number of constituents contacting me, and local councillors Claire Bowes and Tina Kiddell, to report the struggles they have had when trying to pick up a prescription.

I therefore visited Watton Surgery on Friday to speak with the Practice Management team – having also recently spoken with the owner of Total Health Pharmacy – to better understand the challenges being faced. I also, earlier today, met with figures at the Norfolk and Waveney NHS Integrated Care Board again to find out what more they can do to support Total Health Pharmacy, as well as boost local pharmacy services more generally.

The ICB reaffirmed their commitment to doing all they can to ensure Watton has the level of service it requires and reassured me that they will be following up with Total Health Pharmacy to offer more support. I also enquired as to the possibility of a new pharmacy being opened – although I understand that process can take 6-18 months – even if an applicant has already come forward.

Rest assured, alongside Claire Bowes and Tina Kiddell, I will continue to raise this crucial local issue and push for the solutions we need.

To find out more on, please see my previous webstory below.

To find out more about my work on GP appointments and local pharmacies more generally, please click here, here and here

UPDATE - 4 December 2023

Pharmacy Provision – Watton

As a former Health Minister and someone with a close understanding of the incredible role our NHS plays each and every day, as well as having grown up and lived in rural East Anglia for the majority of my life, I know the crucial role local community pharmacies play in our rural towns and villages – and the importance of being able to access services and pick up prescription when we need too.

That’s why I share the widespread local concern around Watton following Boots’ recent announcement that they will be shutting their Chaston Place branch in the new year. Only the brilliant Total Health pharmacy in Gregor Shanks Way will remain in the town – which, given the scale of new development in recent years, cannot meet community demand alone.

Having been in close contact with local councillors Tina Kiddell and Claire Bowes, I can confirm that I am raising this matter with the Norfolk and Waveney NHS Integrated Care Board to find out more information about Boots’ decision and ensure proper measures are being put in place to provide Watton with the pharmacy provision it needs.

Rest assured, I am determined to make Watton’s voice heard and ensure it is being heard at the very highest levels. I hope to provide a further update in the near future.

In the meantime, please see today’s EDP article here

To find out more about my work on GP appointments and local pharmacies, please click here and here