A crucial hearing is set to take place next week to determine whether a new pharmacy can open in Glastonbury.

The decision, initially approved but subsequently appealed, will be reviewed by NHS Resolution on Monday (17 June 2024.)

Glastonbury, with a population of nearly 8,300, experienced significant disruption to its pharmaceutical services in 2023. The town lost two of its three pharmacies following the closure of the Boots on Glastonbury High Street on 13 December and a Tesco pharmacy a few months earlier.

The closures sparked protests and an online petition signed by hundreds.

An application for a new community pharmacy was submitted and, after a consultation period, the South West Pharmaceutical Services Regulatory Committee (SW PSRC) approved it, deeming it to be of "significant benefit to the local population by way of access to, or choice of, pharmaceutical services."

An NHS Somerset report published on 28 March 2024 highlighted this approval as "a key milestone in securing [additional] pharmaceutical services in Glastonbury."

However, the approval was appealed, and the case is now in the hands of NHS Resolution, which handles disputes and concerns within the NHS. The appellant's identity and the appeal's specific grounds have not been disclosed.

The appeal hearing on 17 June 2024 will determine the fate of the new pharmacy, with the decision expected to be communicated to interested parties within approximately four weeks, and publicly announced in early August 2024.

NHS Resolution's decisions can only be overturned by the High Court.

Although details about the company that would operate the new pharmacy and its exact location have not been publicly confirmed, strong local rumours suggest it is earmarked for the former Four Seasons shop on the town high street.

In the meantime, the NHS Somerset report highlighted the ongoing risks to pharmacy access in Glastonbury. The Well Pharmacy, the town's remaining provider, has faced increased workload since the closures. NHS Somerset has been supporting Well Pharmacy to enhance its capacity to meet the additional demand.

A spokesperson for Well Pharmacy stated, "We're proud to be able to serve the Glastonbury community in what is a challenging time for community pharmacy. We have indeed experienced an increase in demand for our services since the closures of the other pharmacies. We are continuously exploring ways to improve our efficiency and service delivery to meet the growing needs of our patients."

A spokesperson for NHS Somerset Integrated Care Board (ICB) said: "The application was reviewed by the SW PSRC at its December 2023 meeting and decided it should be granted. That decision was shared with the relevant parties as required by The National Health Service (Pharmaceutical and Local Pharmaceutical Services) Regulations 2013 as amended. A party with appeal rights exercised their rights and lodged an appeal against the ICB's decision. Appeals are sent directly to NHS Resolution and not the ICB. The outcome of the appeal will determine the next steps in establishing a new pharmacy in Glastonbury."