Labour MP Clive Lewis has called for the reinstatement of a pharmacy facility at the University of East Anglia Medical Centre in Norwich, near the Bluebell Road entrance to campus. The closure of this pharmacy, along with others in the area, has had significant consequences for the local residents and students. Lewis referenced the demographic of the area, which includes students, families, and a larger than average amount of older residents with mobility issues and lack of regular transport. He urged NHS bosses to reconsider the closure and reinstated the pharmacy at the UEA site. A survey carried out by Mr Lewis’ office found that more than 90% of 2,000 locals want a pharmacy to be reinstated. A public consultation for a potential new pharmacy provider closed on November 30, and a local petition to save the facility amassed over 600 signatures.
The closure of the Boots branch at the UEA site in July has prompted backlash from the community, with residents and students expressing the need for a pharmacy at the center of the local community. The closure came as part of the company’s bid to consolidate shops in close proximity to each other, but it has had significant negative consequences for the local population. Boots confirmed the closure, leaving Dereham Road, Eaton, or Longwater as the company’s nearest shops. The decision to close the pharmacy has been widely criticized, with Mr Lewis urging NHS England to listen to the overwhelming consensus among residents and students and reinstate the pharmacy as soon as possible.
Lewis highlighted the impact of the closure on the local community, especially on those with mobility issues and lack of regular transport. He emphasized the importance of having a pharmacy facility in a location that serves not only students but also families and older residents. The closure has forced residents to seek pharmacy services at a greater distance from their homes, causing inconvenience and challenges for many. The survey conducted by Mr Lewis’ office further underscores the widespread support for the reinstatement of the pharmacy, with over 90% of surveyed locals expressing the need for the facility. Lewis’s call to action to NHS England and the public consultation for a new pharmacy provider demonstrates the determined effort to address the needs of the local community and ensure that essential services are accessible to all residents.
The closure of the pharmacy at the UEA site has sparked controversy and opposition from the local community, with the petition to save the facility gathering over 600 signatures. Residents and students have voiced their concerns and emphasized the necessity of having a pharmacy at the center of the local community. The closure has highlighted the challenges faced by residents, particularly those with mobility issues, and has prompted calls for action to reinstate the facility. Lewis has been a vocal advocate for the reinstatement of the pharmacy, urging NHS England to reconsider the closure and address the overwhelming demand from the local population. The closure of the UEA pharmacy has brought attention to the healthcare needs of the local community and the importance of accessible pharmacy services for residents and students alike.
