'Disappointed' at village GP practice dispensary closure
A Lincolnshire MP has expressed her disappointment that a dispensary at a village GP practice is to close this week.
“Following careful consideration", NHS Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board has confirmed that the dispensary at Cliff Villages Medical Practice, in Navenby, will close at 6pm today (Friday, April 10).
A Lincolnshire ICB spokesperson said: “Dispensing by GP practices is governed by national regulations, which set strict criteria on when a practice is allowed to dispense medicines. Following the recent change to the practice’s contractual arrangements, the practice is no longer able to continue providing a dispensing service.”
Lincolnshire ICB had previously announced that the practice on Grantham Road would temporarily close, due to administrative reasons, when one partner at the practice left, re-opening on February 23, now operating under The Welby Group as contract providers for both Navenby and Waddington sites.
Commenting on the GP dispensary closure, the ICB said: “We recognise that this service has been valued by some local patients and understand the concerns that have been raised. That is why we carried out a period of engagement, including surveys and listening events, to hear directly from patients and the community before confirming next steps.
“Patients will continue to receive their prescriptions as normal and can choose to collect their medicines from a community pharmacy or use a distance-selling pharmacy.”
The nearest pharmacy is in Navenby and some patients have expressed concerns about struggling to access the pharmacy due to disability or rely on controlled medication deliveries in case of delay.
The ICB continued: “Support is in place to help patients transition, including assistance with nominating a pharmacy, free home delivery from local pharmacies, and continuation of services such as monitored dosage systems where clinically required, alongside additional support for those with accessibility needs.
“Our focus is on ensuring patients continue to have access to safe, appropriate, and sustainable services, and we will continue to work with local partners to support patients through this change.”
Sleaford and North Hykeham MP Dr Caroline Johnson said she is “incredibly disappointed” that the decision has been taken to close the dispensary at Cliff Villages Medical Practice.
She said: “The ICB were due to close the dispensary completely on Friday February 27. I persuaded them that that was not the right course of action and instead to keep it open and do a proper engagement process. I know many constituents fed into this consultation, and highlighted why dispensing is so valuable to them.
“This decision therefore to close the dispensary is very disappointing, and I have made the ICB aware of my views on this decision. I will be writing to the ICB to request an open meeting where constituents can raise their concerns about this.”
Local county and district councillor Marianne Overton commented: “If everyone tries to park by the Navenby Pharmacy, we will struggle. Some may walk down to the pharmacy and back, if able. Some may turn to ordering medicines online and having them delivered, either to a pharmacy or to your home. That means trusting the suppliers and the delivery. The Government share a long list of online pharmacies.”