What we're hearing about pharmacy provision in Guildford and Waverley
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Healthwatch Surrey heard from local residents and community groups about the impact of the closure of several local pharmacies. They therefore decided to build a local picture of the level and nature of the impact. They developed a survey to which 218 people responded.
Residents value the service and clinical expertise which their local pharmacy can provide – they are often the most visible and accessible part of the health system.
The impact of the closure of one pharmacy on the alternative provision in the area is a huge concern for local residents – if alternatives don’t meet their needs in terms of capacity, space or opening hours the value of the service is hugely reduced.
Travel distance from home is the most important core indicator for people when visiting a pharmacy, but this is more complex than a crude mileage value – people need to be able to walk, or have reliable / accessible / affordable public transport options.
Good customers service is also considered to be critically important, but people’s confidence in this is eroded if a pharmacy is seen to not have sufficient capacity.
Some of those affected are not online, and therefore their voices may not be heard as part of the Citizens Panel.