Local MP Matt Turmaine visits Cassiobury Pharmacy in Watford
Local MP for Watford, Matt Turmaine, visited Cassiobury Pharmacy on Friday 06 December 2024 to learn more about the vital role community pharmacies play and the challenges they face.
During the visit, Matt Turmaine MP discussed the services the pharmacy offers, including getting his free blood pressure check, the flu and Covid vaccines offered given the Winter season and other services to help patients access the healthcare they need. Community pharmacies are making it easier than ever to get a flu or Covid jab and to increase the number of at-risk people being protected from ill health over the colder months.
He spoke to patients about the value of having this pharmacy located in the heart of the community and saw how busy the pharmacy was, with a friendly local team at the helm, led by Pharmacist Manager Ash Shah.
Matt learnt how residents in Cassiobury and Nascot Wood in Watford have been benefiting from the advice and support that the team at Cassiobury Pharmacy offers, as part of a local group of independent practices run by Chemilab, operating alongside Chemilab Pharmacy, Abbey Pharmacy, Leavesden Pharmacy and Abbotswood Park Pharmacy. He heard how successful the Pharmacy First service has been at providing faster access to treatment for minor ailments, as well as the potential pharmacies have to help manage more complex conditions such as asthma, diabetes and hypertension. He also learned that every member of the pharmacy team has undergone regulated training to provide an effective service and keep you safe. Pharmacies are part of the NHS family and the range of clinical services provided by community pharmacies has expanded significantly in recent years.
Cassiobury Pharmacy is one of several independent pharmacies run by Chemilab Ltd, a family business operating across Abbots Langley, Leavesden and Watford since 1985. It’s a prime example of how pharmacies are adapting to support the NHS. Pharmacists are experts in managing minor illnesses and medication, making them a crucial resource for local communities. Matt Turmaine calls on the government and public to support local pharmacies who play a central role in local healthcare.
Local pharmacist and Managing Director of Chemilab Ltd, Girish Mehta, gave an insight into the severe pressures facing the pharmacy sector, including increasing instances of dispensing medication at a loss, widespread medication shortages, the restrictions of Pharmacy First and the need for increased funding and support to help community pharmacies expand their role in the future through a new core contract.
