NHS Resolution has released the full decision report on the establishment of a new pharmacy on Glastonbury High Street, detailing the extensive review and community impact assessments that led to the confirmation that Magna Pharmacy's could setup in the former Four Seasons shop.

Initially, the South West Pharmaceutical Services Regulatory Committee (SW PSRC) approved the new pharmacy, recognising its significant benefit to the local population. Despite the appeal, NHS Resolution's latest ruling confirms the new pharmacy can proceed.

Glastonbury has faced substantial disruption to its pharmaceutical services since 2023, losing two of its three pharmacies, including Boots on Glastonbury High Street and a Tesco pharmacy. These closures led to widespread protests and an online petition signed by hundreds of residents.

The former Four Seasons shop is set to become a pharmacy (LL)

NHS Somerset's report from 28 March 2024 highlighted the new pharmacy's approval as a crucial milestone in securing additional pharmaceutical services for Glastonbury. The town's remaining pharmacy, Well Pharmacy, has struggled with increased demand since the closures. Well Pharmacy's head office had objected to the new pharmacy, citing the Somerset Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA) 2022-2025, and claiming there was no current gap in necessary services in the West Mendip PCN area.

Arguments for the New Pharmacy

The Pharmacy Appeals Committee, after a thorough review, threw its support behind Magna Healthcare's plans. Notable points from the decision include:

• Increased Accessibility: Positioned strategically on the High Street, the new pharmacy will be more accessible to both residents and tourists. Designed to accommodate individuals with disabilities, it also promises extended opening hours that include weekends.
• Addressing Demand: Dr Yadav, Director of Magna Healthcare Ltd, highlighted the growing needs of Glastonbury's increasing population and the frequent influx of tourists, emphasizing that the new pharmacy will help alleviate the pressure on Well Pharmacy, facilitating quicker and more efficient service.

Counterarguments from Well Pharmacy

Despite the clear community need, Well Pharmacy raised several concerns:

• Economic Concerns: Well Pharmacy attributed the recent pharmacy closures to financial instability and expressed concerns that introducing another pharmacy might lead to unsustainable business practices.
• Adequacy of Current Services: They maintained that their current operations are sufficient to meet community demand, citing significant resources and capacity.
• Potential Market Destabilisation: There were apprehensions that the new pharmacy could destabilise existing services by significantly diverting customer traffic.

Insights from the Glastonbury Site Visit

During their visit to Glastonbury, the Pharmacy Appeals Committee made several observations that underscored the urgent need for additional pharmaceutical services:

• Overwhelmed Services at Well Pharmacy: The committee found Well Pharmacy significantly overwhelmed, with extensive queues that persisted throughout their visit. There were instances of customers waiting long periods, only to be informed that their prescriptions were not ready, indicating a strained dispensing process.
• Logistical Challenges: Located in a residential area next to the Glastonbury GP Surgery, Well Pharmacy poses challenges for non-local visitors and new residents due to inadequate signage and limited public transport options. This makes it difficult for tourists who are unfamiliar with the area to locate and access the pharmacy services.
• High Street Dynamics and Potential: The High Street, chosen as the location for the new pharmacy, presents a stark contrast with its vibrant foot traffic and tourist appeal. The intended site, currently a vacant premise between a bakery and a café, promises better visibility and accessibility. This area, characterised by its bustling atmosphere, is more suited to a new pharmacy to cater to a broader demographic, including tourists and individuals with disabilities.
• Community Sentiment and Support: The town's need for additional pharmaceutical services was palpable, with signs such as "Glastonbury Needs a Pharmacy" visible throughout the area. The local sentiment was further bolstered by vocal support from community representatives, including Councillor Paul Manning, who stressed the necessity for enhanced services given the town's demographic challenges and the high elderly population.

Committee's Conclusive Stance and Next Steps

The committee decisively concluded that the advantages of an additional pharmacy overwhelmingly outweigh potential drawbacks. They noted the evident strain on current services, with Well Pharmacy grappling with high demand and insufficient capacity. The introduction of another pharmacy is seen as essential to providing residents and tourists with reasonable choices and better service access.

With the decision formalised, Magna Healthcare Ltd is gearing up to launch the new pharmacy on the High Street and Dr Yadav has committed to delivering a broad range of services to enhance healthcare accessibility in Glastonbury.

The full decision notice is publicly accessible, and can be found here.