People in Powys town worried about loss of pharmacy

The local pharmacist is retiring at the end of the month and residents of the UK’s smallest town, who normally collect prescriptions from the Llanwrtyd surgery, are now worried about the possible loss of the pharmacy.

However, official discussions and meetings are already underway in an attempt to find a solution.

Mayor Jim Davies attended a meeting with other local community councils on Friday, November 26, which was also attended by the Chief Executive of Powys Teaching Health Board (PTHB) Carol Shillabeer, local politicians like Members of the Senedd James Evans and Jane Dodds, as well as a representative for Brecon and Radnorshire MP Fay Jones.

A spokesperson for the town council said on Tuesday, December 7: “Further to our bulletin on November 26, your council representatives have been in regular contact with the chief executive of the health board along with our local MP and Members of the Senedd.

“Our sole focus is to secure the future of the community pharmacy in Llanwrtyd beyond the end of this month.

“The health board inform us that some progress has been made and that options are being tested against the relevant regulatory requirements which have to be met.

“We are keeping in regular contact with the health board and will issue a further community update next week.”

At the original meeting at the end of last month with various parties, Llanwrtyd Town Council representatives expressed their concerns regarding the continued provision of pharmacy services in the area.

They were assured that updates on developments will be released when more information is available. The meeting was mostly positive and PTHB emphasised its commitment to working towards finding a satisfactory outcome for residents of the town and surrounding area.

Anyone wishing to register their views is invited to write to: Concerns, Glasbury House, Bronllys Hospital, Brecon, Powys, LD3 0LY.

Alternatively, email Concerns.qualityandsafety.POW@wales.nhs.uk.