28/08/2026
Martin Wrigley, MP for Newton Abbot, recently visited both Buckland Pharmacy and Day Lewis Pharmacy in Devon Square where he met with local pharmacy teams to gain a better understanding of the current challenges facing community pharmacy.
During the visit, Martin was keen to learn more about how community pharmacies operate and the increasing pressures they face. At Buckland Pharmacy the team explained the impact of ongoing medicine shortages and pricing concessions, highlighting that pharmacies are legally required to dispense exactly what is prescribed, even when certain medicines are difficult to obtain.
The discussion also covered the range of clinical services offered by community pharmacies, many of which rely on referrals from other healthcare organisations. The significant challenges facing the sector across Devon were highlighted, including the fact that the county has experienced one of the highest levels of established pharmacy contractor closures in recent years, with the effects being felt across local communities.
At Day Lewis Pharmacy, the team shared similar concerns around financial pressures, changing prescribing practices, and the underutilisation of pharmacy services. Despite these challenges, staff spoke passionately about their commitment to supporting patients and providing accessible healthcare within the community.
One example that particularly resonated with Martin was a recent incident where a patient suffered a seizure in the pharmacy. To ensure the patient's privacy and allow the team to provide appropriate support, the pharmacy temporarily closed. The experience highlighted the vital role community pharmacies play, not only in supplying medicines but also as an essential part of the local healthcare network.
The visit provided an important opportunity to showcase the value of community pharmacy, while also highlighting the urgent need to address the challenges facing the sector to ensure patients continue to have access to local pharmacy services in the future.
