Rowlands Pharmacy in Lodge Lane Liverpool 8 has had its application to close and consolidate its services rejected by NHS England.
The pharmacy applied to close and merge with their pharmacy in The Elms. As part of the application they had asked that no other pharmacy could open in its place.
The reasons provided for the refusal is "the committee were not satisfied the applicant had considered the impact this application would have on the health inequalities of local residents with protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010 and therefore do not agree with the recommendation to approve this application”.
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Kim Jonson MP for Liverpool Riverside said: "This is very welcome news and the right outcome for the community. Accessible health services are so crucial to giving people support that they need.
"I am especially pleased that the committee refused the application on health inequality grounds and acknowledged that those with protected characteristics would be adversely impacted.
“This decision will hopefully allow pharmacy services to continue to operate on Lodge Lane. I’ll be approaching Rowlands for their response to this decision and will follow the situation very closely.”
Sonia Bassey of L8 Matters CLT said: "It's a great victory for residents. We're delighted with the decision and thanks to support from Riverside MP Kim Johnson, local Councillor Laura Roberston - Collins and residents.
"We have no doubt local residents signing the L8 Matters petition had a great influence on this".
Should Rowlands still decide to close the pharmacy on Lodge Lane the decision means another pharmacy could open, which their application would not have allowed if it were successful. L8 Matters CLT, Kim Johnson MP for Liverpool Riverside objected to the application and raised it in Parliament and Arundel ward councillor Laura Robertson-Collins voiced concerns about the impact on residents.
Laura Robertson-Collins, councillor for Arundel Ward and Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Communities previously said: "In an area with a high level of health need. It’s disgraceful that a company can merge two branches and then prevent any other company providing a service in the same area”.
The refusal of the application means Rowlands will have a right to appeal the decision. It is a victory for the L8 community and the many residents who rely on the services of the pharmacy, especially the vulnerable and are happy the decision took into account the Equality Act 2010.
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