Bid for 24/7 pharmacy sparks fears

ELDERLY residents have raised concerns over proposals for Dundee’s first 24/7 pharmacy.

Last week the Tele revealed plans had been submitted for the prescription collection machine – a common sight on streets in Holland – at Houston Pharmacy on Alpin Road in Coldside.

Dundee City Council’s planning committee will be asked to consider the application by Mark Aggleton, director and co-owner of Houston Pharmacy.

However, the prospect of people being able to collect medication any time of the day and night has raised questions among some locals.

Anna Stewart, who lives nearby, plans to make a formal objection, citing concerns over crime, noise and pollution.

She said: “I have had sleepless nights worrying about this... I am really concerned about what will happen if this is allowed to go ahead.

“Coldside already has a problem with high numbers of drug users and the risk of a potential rise in crime is of concern to many elderly local residents.

“This is also close to sheltered housing. This will be of no benefit to these elderly residents yet they will have to bear the brunt of the detrimental effects of this development.”

Dundee Pensioners’ Forum has also expressed concern over the proposals.

Secretary Dorothy McHugh said: “The march of technological progress seems unstoppable.

“Now we will collect our medicines through a hole in the wall – just as we get our money from the bank.

“Little thought appears to have been given to the impact on the local community.

“If we really need a 24/7 dispensary, surely it would be better sited in one of Dundee’s retail parks where there is ample parking and minimal impact on residential communities.”

Agents for Mr Aggleton have said the steel-encased Pharmaself24 is a self-contained, secure, vandal-resistant machine that would fit into the existing building.

A collection flap will automatically lock when patients are not collecting prescriptions and the machines have a capacity of up to 180 dispensing bags.

Mr Aggleton stressed that data for similar dispensaries in Europe show that up to 80% of collections are during opening hours.

He said: “This technology will allow people to collect their prescriptions without entering the shop premises.

“They will receive a text message to notify them that it is ready for collection.

“As well as the convenience for some customers, this will free up additional time for pharmacy staff to dedicate to other services in store – such as the new Pharmacy First initiative,” he added.

“This initiative allows the pharmacist to prescribe a range of medications and treatment for minor ailments.

“This machine will not replace staff but is an investment in the future of the community.”