Date: 24 September 2009 BROCKLEBANK RAISES ISSUE OF PLANNED LEUCHARS PHARMACY IN PARLIAMENT Conservative MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, Ted Brocklebank, raised the issue of the contentious new community pharmacy planned for Leuchars at today’s Health Questions.
Mr Brocklebank asked the Cabinet Secretary for Health;
“The Health Secretary will recall that before she opened the new St Andrews Community hospital on Tuesday she had to face a demonstration by irate patients of dispensing doctors in Balmullo and Leuchars. These patients were complaining about the lack of consultation in relation to a planned community pharmacy for Leuchars which could affect the excellent service they have been receiving from their local dispensing doctors. Since 60% of the local GPs remuneration comes from dispensing, will the Cabinet Secretary intervene with NHS Fife to help resolve this dispute, given that this new application is virtually identical to one that was rejected less than six months ago?”
The Cabinet Secretary for Health, Nicola Sturgeon, replied;
“I reminded the demonstrators of the general rule that patients should have a wider access to pharmacist stores. Government has no power of intervention in these matters and it is up to individual NHS Boards, under current regulations. However, we are reviewing these relevant regulations.”
Speaking after Health Questions, Ted Brocklebank said;
“I am encouraged that the Government is looking at the regulations which currently prevent them from intervening in this application for a new community pharmacy at Leuchars. I remain optimistic that action can still be taken that will safeguard the service locals currently receive from their dispensing doctors.”
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