MP, Nick Gibb, visits Littlehampton pharmacy
Nick Gibb Member of Parliament for Bognor Regis and Littlehampton recently visited Glynn Norris pharmacy to learn more about the work the pharmacy team are doing to help local residents. He also heard about some of the ways community pharmacy is changing.
During the visit Nick looked behind-the-scenes at the pharmacy and discussed various services with the pharmacy team. In particular, counter assistant Ali was keen to tell him about how the team use the small consultation room for private conversations with people who “pop-in” to ask advice, and pharmacist Ollie Nash described how having to manage the supply of medicines into the pharmacy impacts on his time.
James Wood, chief executive of Community Pharmacy Surrey & Sussex, the organisation which represents community pharmacy, accompanied Nick Gibb on his visit. James discussed the role of community pharmacy in taking pressure off other healthcare providers such as GPs and hospitals. He said:
“This team and community pharmacy teams all over Sussex and Surrey are trusted and very accessible parts of primary care. They are the first port of call for healthcare for many people and our regular patients and the wider community really rely on us.
Adding: “We provide much more than a great value dispensing service – we give people information, advice and interventions without the need to wait for an appointment. Many of the services we offer, such as home delivery, are a real help to some of the most vulnerable people.”
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More information:
- Healthwatch publish report about pharmacy consulting rooms in West Sussex
- PSNC Briefing 023/19: Serious Shortage Protocols (SSPs) – a guide for community pharmacy teams
- Watch this animation called Future of Pharmacy.
- Primary Care Networks – what you need to know. A Webinar for community pharmacy contractors in Surrey and Sussex [June 2019] You can access the on-demand recording here.
