A new application to reinstate a pharmacy in the centre of Thames Ditton  

The RA’s Health & Community convenor, Karen Randolph, who has been leading the campaign to reinstate a pharmacy in the centre of Thames Ditton, brings news of a new development.

Readers will know that Thames Ditton High Street lost its pharmacy in early 2025 (though it had been run down for
at least a year before that). A petition seeking the reinstatement of the pharmacy quickly attracted 1200 signatures.

In April 2025 a locally based individual pharmacist applied (supported by the TDWGRA) to the NHS to reopen the
pharmacy, on the basis of ‘unmet need’. (NB. Unlike any other retailer a ’new’ pharmacy needs a license, if they
wish to dispense NHS prescriptions, from the local Integrated Care Board - now Surrey & Sussex ICB). That
application was refused by Surrey Heartlands ICB (the predecessor to Surrey & Sussex ICB) on the basis that the
2025 Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA), considered that there were NO gaps in pharmaceutical provision in
the whole of Surrey. This conclusion was reached despite the closure of 20 or so pharmacies in Surrey in just the
preceding 2 years!

We know the strength of feeling in the village has not gone away. The applicant, with our encouragement, has now
made a new application on a slightly different basis. This is a costly process and necessarily involves the help of a
pharmaceutical consultant to navigate the (extremely) bureaucratic application process. The Thames Ditton &
Weston Green Residents’ Association together with the Thames Ditton Foundation, have jointly funded the process.
Surrey & Sussex ICB (Integrated Care Board) will make their decision later this summer/autumn.

This new application is to address ‘unforeseen benefits’ - primarily on the basis that the data for the 2025 PNA was
collated prior to the Government’s introduction of its ’10 year Health Plan’ and therefore would not have taken the
requirements of the government’s plan into consideration. The Health Plan sets out a comprehensive strategy to
reform the NHS and change the way it operates. It proposes moving care closer to people’s homes. This includes
expanding the scope and remit of local pharmaceutical services, with the intention of reducing the impact of ill
health and easing pressure on GP’s, while improving access to essential health care and advice for patients.

Many consider pharmacists are an underused asset. They are highly trained health professionals and are now being
encouraged to offer prompt advice and treatment for specific conditions. Currently, those in our village who are
likely to need a pharmacy the most - the elderly, those with chronic health conditions, families with young children
are being disadvantaged. By rejecting the reinstatement of a pharmacy, it is surely contrary to the intentions of the
Government’s new health service strategy? A pharmacy in Thames Ditton, will also encourage people to shop local
and help us keep the Post Office in the village too.