A veto by the NHS has sparked anger among hundreds of Clifton residents in York – because it denies them access to vital pharmacy services on their doorstep.
The refusal has caused such unease that MP Rachael Maskell has asked health minister Stephen Kinnock to come and look at the situation for himself.
Clifton lost its sole pharmacy when Boots near Clifton Green closed in February. Local company Citywide Health promised to restore things.
It took on the lease of the old Boots premises and could have opened for business in July.
Their bid had the support of a petition signed by 650 locals. York council, the Director of Public Health and Rachael Maskell MP are all in favour and it was assumed it would be warmly welcomed by the NHS.
The project was primed to go, a win-win all round. Despite this the Integrated Care Board for this region of the NHS has said no.
They will not grant Citywide Health the licence they need to proceed with their Clifton pharmacy.
The owner of Citywide Health, Richard Harrison, who has 20 years’ experience as a pharmacist and runs seven established and trusted pharmacies around York said, “It’s a ridiculous decision. The ICB’s job is to narrow health inequalities, this does exactly the opposite. It’s mad.”
‘A real shocker’
Clifton councillor Danny Myers said, “I can’t quite believe it. It’s a real shocker.
“The council did a needs assessment immediately after Boots closed. We did all that work but the ICB says no weight should be given to the assessment. It’s a joke.”
He says they are challenging the legislation on which the ICB has based its refusal.
“Either it’s not fit for purpose or the ICB has mis-read the guidelines. Rachael Maskell has invited Stephen Kinnock to York to see whether he needs to change national legislation. The present situation is absurd.”
A spokesperson for NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board said:
“The ICB welcomes all new pharmacy applications. We have a fair, transparent, and consistent approach to evaluating each application, ensuring they align with our local pharmaceutical needs assessment and adhere to the NHS (Pharmaceutical and Local Pharmaceutical Services) Regulations 2013.
“We have a guidance document to support contractors in their applications and help them to demonstrate their ability to meet the regulations relevant to their application.
“If a contractor’s application is not supported, feedback is provided through the decision process, and we have a robust appeals process in place.”
Citywide have pioneered add-on services such as vaccinations that the Government wants pharmacies nationally to adopt.
It has signed up to the Pharmacy First programme which allows them to treat and prescribe for up to 12 health conditions.
Mr Harrison has urged the Clifton residents to complete an online needs assessment form to say briefly how they’ve been impacted by the loss of their local pharmacy service.
He describes some of the responses so far, especially from elderly residents, as “harrowing”.
Residents who are not online but wish to complete the form can contact Councillor Myers and he will have a form delivered: phone 07419 209928.