Nigel Kells, press officer for South Antrim Traditional Unionist Voice has outlined his concerns about the impending cuts to pharmacies and the devastating impact they will impact on local communities.

Commenting Mr Kells stated:
 

“There are currently 532 pharmacies in Northern Ireland serving a population of 1.8 Million - 21.2% are children under 16 and 17.1% are men aged 65+ and woman aged 60+. During 2010 just over 25,000 babies were born here. Local pharmacies are at the forefront of serving these people in our community, yet Health Minister Edwin Poots is set to slash 38 million from their budget.

This cut of 38 million is effectively cutting £71,400 per pharmacy per annum and is set to see 100 local pharmacies across Northern Ireland close their doors never to be reopened and see 400-700 people facing unemployment. In a fight to stay open many pharmacies have been forced to consider the reduction of opening hours which will undoubtedly increase the usage of GP’s surgeries, A+E services and the out of hours Doctor service. I have to question if the Minister has thought this through.

The Minister insists these cuts are essential, I insist our local pharmacies are essential. What is not essential however is the waste of half a billion pounds over the next 5 years on North-South bodies? It is time we stopped wasting money on ridiculous novelties and focused on what really matters – The quality of life of the people of Northern Ireland.” 

Mr Kells was highlighting the issue after speaking with his local pharmacy. Jayne Laughlin superintendent of the Clear pharmacy in Antrim stated:

“I have never seen anything like this; the staff and everyone involved with providing local pharmaceutical services feel completely devalued by the department. These pharmacies are small businesses employing local people who provide an essential service to the local community. Most concerning of all is impact on patient safety, access to medicine and the inevitable reduction of staffing levels increasing the risk of medication dispensation error”.