A controversial plan for a new pharmacy in Methven has been given the go-ahead.
A campaign of opposition claimed the project threatened the viability of the village’s GP surgery and dispensary.
However, the pharmacy practices committee, which debated the issue last month when its members met in Perth, has come to a different view.
The committee has confirmed that the applicants, Harrispharm Ltd, have been given approval by NHS Tayside to open a pharmacy at 68 Main Street, Methven.
“The members were undivided in their decision that the existing arrangements were currently inadequate to meet the needs of the population of Methven, and that the inadequacy would only be further exacerbated by the growth in population as a result of the housing developments in progress substantiated by Perth and Kinross Council,” the committee stated.
“Whilst mindful of the objections expressed by members of the public against the application, it was the committee’s judgment that these views were based on the implied threat of losing their local GP service in Methven were the application to be granted.
“The members were encouraged by the applicant’s intentions not only to build bridges with the practice but also to work alongside the public in a supportive and informative manner to nurture their understanding of what a full pharmaceutical service actually is and of what benefits for health it can bring to their community.”
The Methven surgery has provided GP assessment and prescription dispensing since it was absorbed by Perth’s Victoria Practice in 1990, but the doctors have warned that this service was unlikely to continue unaltered if a new pharmacy was approved. Many residents also opposed the new pharmacy and a petition with 800 signatures was collected.
The GP surgery had previously said that if the decision went against it, there would have serious ramifications.
“A new retail pharmacy would potentially close our dispensary and compromise the provision of GP services in the area,” it maintained.
The GP surgery said: “The practice are extremely disappointed by the committee’s decision. We will await further information before taking advice and considering future action.”
If it chooses to do so, the surgery has four weeks to appeal the decision.
Photo by Flickr user Mr. Mystery.