Pharmacy services in Presteigne

12.21.00pm GMT Wed 8th Feb 2006

Welsh Liberal Democrat AM for Brecon and Radnorshire, Kirsty Williams, has expressed her concern at the application by the Presteigne Medical Centre to provide dispensing services.

A number of constituents have contacted Ms Williams about the plans, and the impact it might have on the existing pharmacy on Presteigne High Street.

Ms Williams said: "With a comprehensive dispensing service already located such a short distance from the Medical Centre, I am rather unsure what benefits any new service could offer. It is also important to remember that pharmacy staff are trained to offer a certain level of advice to patients, check the dosage of prescriptions and provide a variety of other services. It would be a huge burden on the reception staff at the Medical Centre if they were expected to undertake these duties.

"I have written to NHS Wales, expressing my view that pharmacies in the area are already meeting the needs of patients and are well placed to work with the Medical Centre to offer a high quality service. I therefore do not feel a dispensing service at the Centre would be of benefit."