Save Croydon’s pharmacists
Croydon North MP Steve Reed dropped in to meet local pharmacist Dr Patel to hear about Tory plans to slash funding for pharmacies by £170million. The Tory plans will mean local community pharmacies like Dr Patel’s in Thornton Heath will have to cut back on staff and services or even close their doors for good.
Mr Patel’s Brigstock Pharmacy has been serving Thornton Heath for over 30 years. In that time he has helped residents by dealing with ailments like high blood pressure, eye infections or skin rashes, advising on sexual health concerns, and helping people stop smoking – as well as his core business of dispensing prescriptions.
Following the meeting, Mr Reed has written to all the community pharmacists in Croydon North asking them to co-sign a letter with him calling on the Government to rethink their dangerous plans.
Steve said
Pharmacists play a crucial role in helping people in Croydon North find the care they need. The cuts the Government is threatening to impose will leave community pharmacies struggling to provide the same level of service. Pharmacies are a lifeline in helping people find the help they need without calling on a doctor or joining the queues at A&E. We mustn’t let the Tories run them down.
Steven Reed is Labour MP for Croydon North and Shadow Minister for Children and Families. In 2018 his private member’s bill on reducing violent mental health restraint became law. In June 2019 he launched Labour’s civil society strategy outlining radical plans to empower citizens and communities.
Steve chairs the Cooperative Councils Innovation Network, co-chairs the All-Party Parliamentary Group for London, was Leader of Lambeth Council 2006-12 where he led the council’s children’s services to become best-rated in the country and pioneered the public-health approach to tackling violent youth crime. He worked in publishing for 16 years and was an elected trade union branch secretary.