SMITH VOICES CONCERN ABOUT LEUCHARS PHARMACY PROPOSAL

5.47.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 29th Sep 2008

Following the host of grave concerns expressed about the above proposal Iain Smith MSP has written to the chair of the Pharmacy Practices Committee of NHS Fife, whose job it will be to consider the application. In his letter Mr Smith says,

'On 25th September I attended a public meeting about the proposed opening of a pharmacy in Leuchars Post Office. There was clearly considerable concern amongst the 200 people present about a move which would necessarily result in the loss of dispensary service at the GP practice serving Leuchars and Balmullo.

I would urge you therefore, when considering this proposal, to take into account the overall account of the services in the area, including the full range provided by the GP practice which are funded by income from their dispensary. It would certainly mean a reduction in hours and possibly the closure of one or other of the surgeries at Balmullo and Leuchars. It could even lead to the loss of one of the three GPs and of other related services currently available.

There are also questions about the suitability of the Post Office to house a pharmacy, given the limited space, poor disabled access, lack of privacy and the inadequacy of the proposed consultation room.

Given the strength of the public support for the present service provided by the GPs, I hope that the committee considers all these points extremely carefully before coming to a decision.'

ENDS