Pharmacy called police after visit from second home owner

A PHARMACY called the police after an English GP surgery asked them to dispense medication for a patient on holiday.

The Gwynedd pharmacist gave out the medication to the second home owner but then called North Wales Police, Dwyfor Meirionnydd MP Liz Saville Roberts (pictured) claimed on Twitter.

But the pharmacist was told the force had “no powers to act” because the person was already in their second home, Ms Saville Roberts said.

Mrs Roberts, who has been urging visitors to stay away from North Wales during the Covid-19 pandemic, tweeted: “GP surgery in England contacted Gwynedd pharmacist today to dispense medication for patient on holiday.

“The pharmacist rightly did not refuse medication, but then contacted North Wales Police only to learn police had no powers to act as patient is already in second home.”

Mrs Saville Roberts went on to express concern that the person, who has existing health needs, has travelled to an “under-resourced rural area” where the health board is in special measures during a pandemic “because they want a holiday”.

Although the majority of Mrs Roberts’ 14,000 Twitter followers agreed with her concerns about visitors being in the area during the outbreak, others argued it would be worse to send people home.

One person said: “This is how it should be. Person is already in Wales so forcing them to travel elsewhere now doesn’t help anyone. If they stay in their cottages and follow the rules, I don’t see the problem.”

The Plaid Cymru MP has been vocal about her concerns that some holiday home owners ignored coronavirus lockdown rules. Mrs Roberts fears a jump in the population will put huge pressure on GP surgeries, and local NHS services.

A police spokesperson said: “We would not comment on a third party social media post.”