After over a year of steadfast campaigning, the news that UEA was to reopen a pharmacy on campus was met with triumph and relief within the community last Tuesday.   

Since the closure of the Boots pharmacy in July last year, students have struggled to access medication, as well as valuable advice and assistance for health-related issues.   

This vacancy was prompted by Boots’ termination of their NHS pharmacy contract before the ownership could be successfully transferred to a new management.   

However, despite having had to start the process of applying for a new pharmacy contract from scratch, independent pharmacist Anand Patel is thrilled to be able to begin his new business at UEA. He states:   

“I am looking forward to joining the UEA community and establishing a new community pharmacy shop on UEA’s campus, next door to the University Medical Centre. The pharmacy will be universally accessible to all, with car parking right on its doorstep providing easy access to those using disability aids, and the campus has always been an attractive place to visit for peaceful greenspace and recreation.”   

Image: new pharmacist, Anand Patel. Credit: UEA.

The success has not come without trial, with an appeal launched earlier this year against the reopening. Brought about by ‘Allied Pharmacies’, the pharmaceutical company blocked the application to reopen due to concern it would draw business from their pharmacy in West Earlham. Although contributing to delays, it was ultimately overturned by Primary Care Support England.   

As an integral campaigner and advocate for the re-establishment of a pharmacy on campus, Nathan Wyatt, Welfare, Community and Diversity Officer at uea(su) commented: that,  

“The opening of a new pharmacy on campus is fantastic news! This wouldn’t have been possible without the tireless efforts of students, who helped to campaign and lobby for its return. A special thank you to UEA’s Disabled Students’ Community, who provided lengthy written responses that were crucial to the application’s approval. The return of the pharmacy will undoubtably make life for all students on campus easier, healthier, and safer.”   

Clive Lewis, MP for Norwich South and supporter of the ‘Save Our Pharmacy’ campaign, echoed sentiments of relief before concluding on the distinct positivity despite adversity:   

“It’s […] fitting that it’s come about after campaigns which brought together people both on and off campus.”   

The pharmacy is set to reopen this autumn after refurbishment, at the Medical Centre on University Drive. Anand aims to offer chemists’ goods, health and beauty products and snacks as well as medication. NHS Pharmacy First consultation and advice services will also be available on-site in order to provide.