News Release from City of York Council Labour Group
Petition launched following planned closure of last local pharmacy
Local councillors have launched a petition calling for a community pharmacy for Clifton after Boots announced plans to close its pharmacy in Clifton Green, leaving no pharmacies in the ward.
Lloyds pharmacy in Intake Avenue closed a few years ago and now Boots has called time on its Clifton Green branch, leaving Clifton residents with the prospect of having to travel further afield for medication and health advice.
Clifton councillor Danny Myers said:
“We’re calling through this petition for the council to make the case for a community pharmacy to the local NHS Board responsible for funding health services.
“Without one, the impact on Clifton residents will be significant. As well as dispensing prescriptions, local pharmacies are responsible for providing health advice and diverting people away from GP practices where possible. This latest closure is likely to add further pressure to already under-pressure GPs unless alternative provision can be confirmed”.
Boots in Clifton will close on 17th February and the next nearest pharmacies for Clifton residents will be at Clifton Moor, Gillygate in the city centre and the Hospital.
The extra distance will be difficult for many elderly people, says Cllr Margaret Wells:
“Much of the value in a community pharmacy is in the convenience of it being close to home, especially for the elderly and people with conditions and illnesses affecting their mobility. The loss of all the ward’s local pharmacies is worrying for those residents and leaves Clifton in a bad situation compared to other wards which have a number of pharmacies close to one another.
“I’d urge residents to sign this petition and help us get this important matter discussed by those who can influence local health provision”.
Councillors have urged any pharmacies interested in operating in Clifton to get in touch with them.
The online petition can be signed at: https://www.change.org/cliftonpetition
-ENDS-
Cllr Danny Myers – Tel: 07419 209928
Cllr Margaret Wells – 07531 344194
