A number of people have contacted me worried about Paydens pharmacy, and whether it might close. I know it’s a popular pharmacy providing an important service to the community.
After hearing the concerns of constituents, I looked into the situation to make sure I had the facts right. I have been assured that the pharmacy is not currently under threat though there is a Government consultation into pharmacy funding at the moment.
It’s always worthwhile making sure Government ministers are aware when people are worried. For that reason, I wrote to the Minister responsible for pharmacies, Alastair Burt MP, pressing him to make sure pharmacies like Paydens – and Saxon Warrior Pharmacy in Lenham – don’t come under threat. In his reply, the Minister said that the Government’s aim is “to ensure that those community pharmacies upon which people depend continue to thrive”, and he also mentioned that a new Pharmacy Access Scheme is being considered to increase funds to some pharmacies based on location and local health needs.
I have also written to Mr Pay asking if there is any further support I can offer him, and I’m hoping to meet him at the pharmacy in the next couple of weeks.
