Firstly, to suggest that a pharmacy is a mere 'outsourcing' of key NHS services is a grave mis-interpretation, and does not do justice to the thousands of dedicated pharmacists providing an invaluable service throughout the UK.
Such a term undermines an entire profession, which through recent NHS transitions is playing a larger role in meeting NHS needs and targets on a national level.
Pharmacists are health professionals who form a valuable part of the primary health care team.
Secondly, to imply the pharmaceutical industry is lobbying to take over all pharmacy services is rather mis-informed.
A profession that aims to provide key pharmaceutical services and maintain patient care as its priority is surely best-placed to implement these services.
It is therefore wrong to suggest a pharmacy as being a commercial collective, but rather it is a NHS care provider aiming to better the health needs of its local population.
Although dispensing is a core pharmacy role, pharmacists are now involved in new services such as minor ailment schemes, smoking cessation support, palliative care advice and support, the provision of emergency contraception and sexual health advice, and substance misuse advice and support, to name a few.
During the short period this pharmacy has been open, the feedback from patients has been overwhelmingly supportive.
The pharmacy has the benefit of a team of pharmacists with the knowledge and experience in pharmacy as well as local health policies.
Finally a correction, "if it's not broken, don't fix it" was a quote by Bert Lance, director of office of management and budget under President Carter, referring to governmental policy, the same year he resigned on charges of mismanagement and corruption.
Here is a quote that was once given to me by an inspirational physics teacher, which seems to be well-placed in the current situation.
A good quote to reflect on; "Without change, there is no innovation, creativity, or incentive for improvement, those who initiate change will have a better opportunity to manage the change that is inevitable".
Qaisar Sheikh,
Middlestown Pharmacy, New Road