Tivyside | Archive | 2005 | August | 3
From the Tivyside Advertiser, first published Wednesday 3rd Aug 2005.
CONTROVERSIAL plans by a town's doctors to start dispensing prescriptions direct to patients will get a full airing later this month.
All interested parties, including local pharmacists who say their businesses could be at risk, will have the chance to put their case to Ceredigion Local Health Board at a special hearing.
Meddygfa Emlyn, Adpar, have applied to start direct dispensing and pharmacists in Newcastle Emlyn have reacted angrily to the plan.
Others in Llandysul also have concerns because of applications by surgeries there to move into direct dispensing.
Several pharmacists, including Chris Hopkins at Bridge Pharmacy, Newcastle Emlyn, and Richard Evans, Lincoln Street, Llandysul, have said their businesses are dependent on having the service. They say about 75 per cent of their income comes from dispensing prescriptions.
Ceredigion County Council, Newcastle Emlyn Town Council and community councils in Llandysul and Aberporth have also opposed the plans.
All those who have already contacted the local health board about the proposals are being invited to present their views at the hearing on August 26, in Lampeter.
Last week Newcastle Emlyn Town Council decided not to send a representative.
"They have our written objection to the idea," said Cllr Alan Jones. "We certainly do not support the idea, this council does not want to see shops closing or businesses suffering."
© Newsquest Media Group 2008