Support for local chemists

Mar 27 2003 By Gareth Bicknell, North Wales Weekly News

PEOPLE in Conwy have voiced their opposition to proposals threatening local pharmacies.

Over 430 people have signed a petition protesting against Government plans to open up the market for pharmacies. The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) have recommended lifting regulations on licensing so that any outlet can open a pharmacy as long as it employs a registered chemist and enough qualified staff.

But opponents of the plans fear independent pharmacies will be unable to compete with supermarkets and forced to close, leaving some communities without access to a local chemist.

The petition was presented to Conwy AM Gareth Jones by Richard Hollas, pharmacist at Gwynan Edwards Chemist, Penmaenmawr, on Monday.

Mr Jones, who will present the petition to the Assembly, said: "Pharmacists are highly qualified clinical professionals whose role as valued members of the primary health care team should be expanded and strengthened.

"These proposals threaten to destroy that ambition and as a result a number of local independent pharmacies in Conwy will be under threat."

Mr Hollas said: "If these recommendations are implemented, the people who will suffer are lowincome families, families with young children, and the elderly.

"A pharmacy is not simply a commercial enterprise that can be handled by supermarkets."

A spokesman for Asda said: "Whenever we ask our customers what services they think we should provide, a pharmacy comes out top by miles. Wetry to provide what our customers want.

"Our customers want more pharmacies that are open longer, and that is why we are supporting the OFT's recommendations."