Margaret Greenwood MP has called on the government to address funding pressures being faced by pharmacies as demand for services is rising.
The Wirral West MP’s comments came after a visit to M&A Weinronk Pharmacy in Pensby where she met with Andrew and Tee Weinronk who run the pharmacy, as well as with Adam Irvine who is the Chief Executive Officer of Community Pharmacy Cheshire & Wirral.
M&A Weinronk Pharmacy is a family-run, independent pharmacy in Pensby and it has been providing people with free advice on a range healthcare conditions and how to manage them since 1971.
The wide range of healthcare services provided by the pharmacy include a travel clinic, flu vaccinations, blood pressure checks, and emergency contraception.
There is also a 24/7 prescription collection service which enables customers to collect repeat prescription medicines at any time, 365 days of the year.
After her visit to the pharmacy, Margaret Greenwood MP said, “It was a real pleasure to visit M&A Weinronk Pharmacy in Pensby and to hear about the important work that they do, as well as about the challenges that pharmacies are facing.
“Demand for pharmacy services is rising, yet there has been no increase in core funding since 2014, and there have actually been cuts of over £200 million since 2015/16.
“This is despite the fact that pharmacies are facing considerably increased costs, including in terms of heating, staffing and medication and are being expected to increase the services that they offer.
“Pharmacies are vitally important, dispensing essential medicines and offering walk-in consultations for minor ailments..
“They are an essential part of our health service and it is vitally important that we retain pharmacies in communities.
“Funding pressures need to be addressed by the government as a matter of urgency.”
Image: (L-R) Andrew Weinronk, Tee Weinronk, Margaret Greenwood MP, and Adam Irvine
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