SARAH Dyke took parliamentary action on her first day back as an MP by tabling a motion demanding increased pharmacy provision in Glastonbury.

Two of Glastonbury’s pharmacies closed last year and the opening of a new high street pharmacy was delayed due to an appeal.

After a hearing, NHS Resolution announced earlier this month that the scheduled new pharmacy can now go ahead.

Pharmacy provision has declined over recent years, with the equivalent of ten local pharmacies closing their doors every week between January and April 2024.

Real terms funding for pharmacies have taken a huge hit over the last decade, with funding being decreased by 40 per cent.

Sarah Dyke’s motion comes after the Liberal Democrats demanded the incoming Labour Government immediately put forward an emergency Health and Social Care Budget to fix the ‘broken NHS’.

Ms Dyke said: “Last year two pharmacies shut down in Glastonbury, leaving only one remaining, which clearly cannot serve the needs of a town of this size.

“I am delighted that plans to open another pharmacy in Glastonbury can now go ahead, but it is clear we need greater support for pharmacies to avoid more closures.”

Sarah Dyke has criticised the Conservatives in the past during their time in government and believes that what the Liberal Democrats are pushing for is a step in the right direction.

She said: “The Liberal Democrats have called for a fairer and more sustainable long-term funding model for pharmacies, built on the Pharmacy First approach.

“This would give patients more accessible routine services while easing pressure on GPs.”