PATIENTS at Westbury on Trym Primary Care Centre have been expressing their concerns about problems with the pharmacy that operates on the site.
The Jhoots Pharmacy on the site has experienced closures and staff shortages that have caused delays in issuing medication.
Similar problems are occurring with Jhoots pharmacies elsewhere In the country, with the matter being raised in Parliament. North Somerset MP Sadik al Hassan, who is a pharmacist, has taken up the issue.
The Westbury surgery stresses that the pharmacy is a separately owned business and it has no involvement in its management or operation.
It says: “We strongly believe that an onsite working pharmacy is both essential and beneficial for our patients. With good parking, easy level access and close proximity to the surgery, it is ideally located. Having a pharmacy at the surgery helps us support our most vulnerable patients. It is useful for ongoing health conditions and is particularly useful when patients consult for urgent matters needing an urgent prescription. It enables us to provide equitable access to health care.”
The surgery has escalated its concerns to the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board and the General Pharmaceutical Council and has urged patients to write to their MP, explaining why a well-functioning, safe on-site pharmacy at Westbury on Trym Surgery is important to them.
Bristol North West MP Darren Jones told the Voice: “I have written to the Integrated Care Board and NHS England to share the concerns raised by about 15 constituents.
“I have requested an urgent response and will share any updates in due course.”