A SHORTAGE of pharmacy services in Rugby is becoming ‘untenable’, says the town’s MP.
Mark Pawsey is calling on local healthcare providers to urgently bring forward a review of pharmacy coverage in Rugby, to enable new providers to come forward and meet demand.
He says pharmacy availability has declined in recent months following the closure of Rowlands Pharmacy in Corporation Street and the decision of Lloyds Pharmacy to end its commercial arrangements with Sainsbury’s.
Last June, Mr Pawsey urged the Coventry and Warwickshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) – which commissions health services in Rugby – to review the Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment for the town and approve new pharmacy providers.
He said an application for a new pharmacy in Houlton was turned down because the Warwickshire Health and Wellbeing Board’s previous assessment concluded there were sufficient pharmacies in the area – despite the assessment having taken place in October 2022, before a number of pharmacies in Rugby closed.
Mr Pawsey said: “The lack of pharmacy capacity in Rugby, particularly in the town centre, is becoming untenable.
“The Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment has prevented one new pharmacy opening, and clearly no longer reflects the availability of pharmacies in Rugby. It needs to be reviewed urgently.”
He said the town’s continuing expansion was increasing pressure on pharmacies.
He added: “It is vital that the Health and Wellbeing Board and the ICB review the level of service my constituents here in Rugby are receiving, and enable new pharmacists to come forward and help to meet demand.”
A spokesperson for the ICB said: “We are committed to ensuring that everyone is able to access pharmaceutical care.
“Whenever a provider of pharmaceutical services wishes to withdraw from the market, they are required to give an agreed period of notice.
“Once this notice is given, the ICB informs all relevant parties, including the Health and Wellbeing Board who are then able to assess the impact on the existing Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment.
“We would be happy to meet with Mr Pawsey to discuss any specific concerns he has regarding pharmaceutical provision in Rugby.”
