MP praises new pharmacy in 'health-deprived' area

The new Podsmead pharmacy opened on 21 July

An MP has praised the opening of a new pharmacy in an area considered to be among the most "health-deprived" areas in the county.

Gloucester MP Alex McIntyre welcomed the opening and said the new facility would serve "local people who have been crying out for better pharmacy and health provision for years".

Allied Pharmacy Podsmead opened on Scott Avenue last month, after what bosses described as a "long journey" with several obstacles to get it up and running.

According to Gloucestershire County Council, Podsmead ranks fourth in health deprivation in the county and is among the most deprived 10% of areas in the country.

Local MP Alex McIntyre said that it was "fantastic" to see the new pharmacy finally open

Gloucester MP Alex McIntyre said it was "fantastic to see the new pharmacy in Podsmead finally open after a series of challenges and setbacks".

"In the light of the recent rejection of the wider Podsmead regeneration scheme by Gloucester City Council I am particularly pleased to see the pharmacy operational and serving local people," he added.

"Being able to access a local pharmacy to pick up prescriptions or talk to a pharmacist can make a huge difference to our overall health and wellbeing."

Before the new pharmacy's opening, local residents faced a walk of almost a mile in any direction to get to access their nearest pharmaceutical services.

The pharmacy will offer services including NHS and private prescriptions, private consultations, free blood pressure checks and vaccinations.

The opening contrasts with figures showing that nearly 700 pharmacies have closed across England since 2022.