Dartford MP Gareth Johnson calls on the PM to increase the role of pharmacies in a bid to ease pressure on the NHS

by | Sep 24, 2020 | Dartford News, Dartford Council, Health, NHS

Dartford MP Gareth Johnson has asked the Prime Minister Boris Johnson to increase the role of pharmacies and chemists to relieve pressure on the NHS.  

During the PM’s statement on Covid-19 to the House of Commons on Tuesday, Gareth Johnson said: “Darent Valley Hospital in my constituency did an amazing job at the heart of the outbreak, as did many of my local GP surgeries. However, they were under huge pressure.” 

“Therefore, would the Prime Minister consider extending the ability of local pharmacies and chemists to administer health treatment so these gems on our high street are able to ease the pressure on our health system?”  

In his reply, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “He is completely right that pharmacies and chemists are in the frontline of our health care and do an absolutely outstanding job in testing people for all kinds of things.”  

Following this exchange, Gareth Johnson said: “Just a few weeks ago, I visited and met staff at Boots in Dartford, which has remained open throughout the Coronavirus pandemic. 

“There are many more services pharmacies could offer given the high level of training and expertise pharmacists have. I believe they are a key part of the NHS which is currently underused.  Pharmacists want to be able to offer treatments in more situations than is currently permitted and people seem to want them to, so we need to allow this to happen.

“There has never been a more appropriate time to push for a trial of pharmacists being able to dispense routine medicines, which have previously only been available from GPs.  

“Following my question in the House of Commons, I hope the Prime Minister will look into extending the services offered by pharmacists and help ease pressure on the NHS.” 

WALKING WITH THE DARTS | FEBRUARY EDITION

The February edition of Dartford Living Magazine is out now. However, if you're unable to locate your free copy, here is the latest edition of Walking With The Darts: Hello again, welcome to another edition of Walking With The Darts, a monthly update on all things...

MARVEL FANS ASSEMBLE!

CAPTAIN AMERICA SHIELD AND HULK HAND INSTALLATION COMES TO SHOWCASE CINEMA DE LUX BLUEWATER  Superhero fans heading to Captain America: Brave New World at Showcase Cinema de Lux Bluewater will get an extra treat, as an exclusive Marvel installation has...

DARTFORD FC WOMEN | CLASS OF 2024-25 | MEET SARAH HILL

Tuesday night saw Dartford host Chichester City at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park in what was the rescheduled league fixture. Dartford FC Women attacker Sarah Hill featured in our matchday programme that night. For those who missed it, here is the full article:...

DARTFORD FC | CLASS OF 2024-25 | MEET DUANE OFORI-ACHEAMPONG

Tuesday night saw Dartford host Chichester City at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park in what was the rescheduled league fixture. Duane Ofori-Acheampong featured in our matchday programme that night. For those who missed it, here is the full article: SECTION ONE Since...

Ofsted praises “united and harmonious” Dartford primary school

Temple Hill Primary Academy in Dartford has been praised by Ofsted for being a “friendly and inclusive school” where pupils “value their education” and “aspire to do well”. The Ofsted inspectors judged the academy, which is part of The Golden Thread Alliance Trust, to...

NEW HOBBIES FOR A NEW YEAR, Sing, Strum or Sweat it out in 2025!

We continue to offer plenty of opportunities for the local community to GET INVOLVED with our weekly clubs, all taking place in Acacia Sports Hall, Dartford. We kick off the week with Chair Fit on Mondays, a fully accessible exercise class. Set to popular music, these...

DARTFORD FC WOMEN | CLASS OF 2024-25 | MEET GABBY HOWELL

Last weekend saw Dartford host Hashtag United at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park. Dartford FC Women right-back Gabby Howell featured in our matchday programme that afternoon. For those who missed it, here is the full article: SECTION ONE Gabby Howell signed for...

DARTFORD FC | CLASS OF 2024-25 | MEET DEAN NAYLER

Last weekend saw Dartford host Hashtag United at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park. Dean Nayler featured in our matchday programme that afternoon. For those who missed it, here is the full article: SECTION ONE Dean Nayler is another promising player to emerge from the...

Dartford Grammar School celebrates International School Award win on 25th Anniversary of the prestigious prize

Dartford Grammar School Head Teacher, Mr. Julian Metcalf, and their Head of Languages, Mrs. Donna Kane, were delighted to recently attend the 2025 International School Award Ceremony in Westminster to receive their reaccreditation certificate for this prestigious...

HARIBO UK announces date for Bluewater retail store opening

-          Latest HARIBO UK retail store set to open on 12 February 2025 -          Sweet confectionery leader’s 11th retail store will welcome shoppers with free...