SIR,

The decision on the 20th November, has now been taken by the Monmouthshire, Local Health Board (LHB), regarding Pharmacy closures at Chepstow and Monmouth, at week ends and Bank Holidays.

The project officer Mr Gareth Holyfield, gave his assurance, of coverage by Doctors who would have access to any necessary medication a patient would need. A saving to the LHB of £10k per year, per town.

The  Community Health Council (CHC) Mr David Kennedy supported the decision, stating that there had been lengthy consultation with the public, much good feedback but they had not received complaints from individuals directly affected. Generally, the public had concerns regarding others.

The CHC had been looking for individual examples of hardship. I was insistent, and allowed one sentence of offered information. I asked, were the LHB aware of their partners, Monmouthshire County Council's Unitary Development Plan. (UDP). Whilst no other public were present, and would not have been able to speak if they had been, I was disappointed that no other debate took place.  

Dr H Messing, recently retired, moved the closures without voicing his reasons, and the decision voted on and carried nem con.

Anyone who has read the UDP1996 - 2011 would soon realise that the LHB decision does not comply.

The policy of MCC, states that facilities should be ensured and easily accessible for local people; to prevent loss of existing services in line with Agenda 21, and to be sustainable; not to be car reliant, and equal opportunities for Monmouthshire residents.

The professionals have not taken notice of their own policies and plans for the future.

According to the Annual Health and Social Care, Commissioning Plan 2008-9, promises, public involvement of us all in local communities will ensure that services meet needs and expectations closer to home.

Hopefully,  Boots the Chemist, Monmouth, can continue to sustain their service to the community, during these difficult financial times.

Otherwise we could at urgent times, having lost our pharmacy rota system, and the possibility of medication not being locally available, be forced into going to Abergavenny.

The LHB has promised that Locally Enhanced Services (LES,) by the chemist, will be compensated to the tune of £15k, and a future campaign planned to allay any worries you may have. My own reasons for following this local issue, are the same as others who voiced an opinion during the consultation. I am very grateful to all of you. Thank you.

 S G Gilbert

(M