Pharmacy First initiative
Since being selected to stand as the Conservative parliamentary candidate in Calder Valley in the upcoming general election, I have been talking to residents about many different issues ranging from the cost of living crisis to Labour’s Local Plan.
Most recently, I have been discussing the Conservative government’s new policy, Pharmacy First.
Under the policy, residents can now visit their local pharmacy for advice and medicines for seven common health conditions without seeing a GP.
During my recent visit to my local Day Lewis Pharmacy in Mytholmroyd, they explained this includes earache in children aged one to 17 years old, sore throat in patients aged five years and over, sinusitis in patients aged 12 years and over,
impetigo in patients aged one years and over, infected insect bites in patients one years and older, and uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women aged 1664 years old.
Furthermore, patients can present themselves to the pharmacy or be referred by NHS 111, GPs, and others.
This support service also builds on the existing elements of the Community Pharmacist Consultation Service, which includes minor illness consultations and the supply of urgent medicines and appliances.
This is a fantastic initiative that will benefit residents and families across the Calder Valley.
Pharmacists can supply prescription-only medicines. Photo: AdobeStock
which could significantly affect local residents and businesses.
However, soon after starting, it became quite depressing as we realised it was about the Hebden Bridge Parking Strategy.
Disappointingly, the shortage of parking in Hebden is well-known and no proposals were offered to improve the parking.
Instead, we heard the council’s strategy to forget cars and get us all cycling and walking – they call it Active Travel.
But the council must remember that modern
life is busy, so active travel is impractical for many residents, especially families with young children.
Furthermore, thousands have already been spent on cycle lanes in the Upper Valley, and I don’t see any more cyclists than before.
Then came a lecture on climate change.
Calderdale Council has declared a climate change emergency.
We must take a sensible and gradual approach to climate change.
But pushing active travel and climate action when many issues still exist with public transport and electric cars is irresponsible.
The council is risking the quality of life for many residents.
Predictably, the council also explained they are using a consultancy firm to help them implement these policies.
They intend to count cars and footfall in towns across Calderdale.
At this point, the frustration in the room was
palpable.
Businesses can already tell that footfall is down due to a lack of parking in Hebden Bridge – they don’t need consultants to advise them of the obvious!
Tourism is a main money spinner for Calderdale, and if people turn away and go elsewhere, that’s a significant loss for us.
Calderdale Council needs to rethink its parking strategy.
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A fantastic initiative that will benefit residents and families across Calderdale
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