Last chance to sign petition for new pharmacy in Churchstoke

A petition has been launched to back plans for a new chemists in Churchstoke after an initial application with NHS Wales was not successful.

The application, by The Midcounties Co-operative Pharmacy, planned for a new pharmacy to open in its Harry Tuffins supermarket in Crosslikey, Churchstoke.

But the idea was turned down by NHS Wales as not needed, despite support from Powys Community Health Council and Churchstoke Community Council.

The Midcounties Co-operative plans to appeal the decision, citing local support for the plan, and has launched a petition for local people to show that it is needed and would be used. The deadline for signing is 10am tomorrow (March 13).

Abs Bashir, superintendent pharmacist at The Midcounties Co-operative Pharmacy, said: "We believe there is an unmet need in the provision of healthcare services in Churchstoke and judged that the village would benefit from having a quality community pharmacy service on its doorstep.

"Our plan is to create a fully-stocked local pharmacy, which is able to dispense prescriptions and is staffed by a fully-qualified pharmacist, providing a source of advice and wider healthcare services as well as helping to cut patients’ travel times.

"We’ve listened to our members on this issue, and it’s clear that there is a real demand for this provision locally, so we have launched this petition to help give them a voice."

He said a survey had already found that more than 77 percent of respondents currently travel at least three miles to access pharmacy services, and 60 per cent said they or a family member visit a pharmacy on a weekly basis.

Almost 63 percent felt there were not currently enough pharmacies to support people in Churchstoke and nearby areas and 57 per cent said they would be likely to use the proposed new pharmacy.

Anyone who wants to add their name to the petition can do so at the supermarket in Churchstoke.