Cllr Anang has brought forward a members item regarding concerns of residents about the significant reduction in pharmacy provision in Rainham. Residents in Rainham now only have access to one pharmacy with no additional provision planned.
Community pharmacies greatly reduce pressure on GPs and other front-line services and are essential for prescription services, medication advice, vaccinations and minor illness consultations.
Given the concern members for Rainham have been communicated from residents, we will be asking the ICB the following:
1. Why does Rainham now have only one pharmacy, with no additional provision planned, despite the growing population and demand?
2. Will the upcoming Pharmacy Needs Assessment address the gaps in provision, and if so, when can we expect action?
3. What impact has the closure of two pharmacies and the failure to allow replacement provision had on residents’ ability to access Pharmacy First services and other essential healthcare support?
Cllr Anang said:
“Residents in Rainham deserve accessible pharmacies which are high quality and dependable. The current situation isn’t sustainable, and we look forward to hearing directly from the ICB as to how the current situation can be remedied.
