PRESS RELEASE

Moore Urges Protection of Local Pharmacy Services

Michael Moore MP

07-Jun-2010

Local MP Michael Moore has met with the Chief Executive of NHS Borders and urged him to protect existing local pharmacy arrangements.

Along with his colleague Jim Hume MSP, Mr Moore asked the Chief Executive to look very hard at proposals to introduce new ‘community pharmacies’ to ensure that all the very serious local concerns are taken into account.

Experience elsewhere suggests that the introduction of these services can undermine the viability of existing arrangements under which GP practices also include dispensing pharmacies.

I share the many concerns expressed by local communities about how the introduction of new pharmacy services could undermine existing vital services.

Given the potential consequences for some of our remote communities, such as Newcastleton and Coldingham, I stressed the level of concern to NHS Borders and have urged them to protect the existing arrangements.

ENDS

Notes To Editors:

1. Commenting, Mr Moore said:

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