Residents in Heaton and Kenton are set to benefit from new pharmacies opening in their communities thanks to the hard work of local Labour councillors, with the support of Newcastle’s Health and Wellbeing Board.
Labour councillors have been determined to restore this vital service since Boots made the decision to close their Heaton and Kenton branches in 2023. In December 2023, Cllr Stephen Lambert presented a petition to City Council calling for new pharmacy provision, and since then Labour councillors across both wards have kept up the pressure to ensure residents’ voices were heard. Their efforts have now paid off with new contracts awarded that will bring pharmacy provision back into the heart of both Heaton and Kenton.
The new pharmacies will make a real difference, giving people easier access to prescriptions, medicines advice and trusted healthcare close to home. This is good news for families, for older people and for everyone who relies on regular support to manage their health.
Leader of Newcastle City Council, Cllr Karen Kilgour, said:
“This is a fantastic result for Heaton and Kenton. Residents told us how much they valued their pharmacies and Labour councillors have delivered. This is Labour councillors in action, standing up for our communities, tackling health inequalities and making sure every resident has the services they need and deserve. It shows that Labour councillors get things done for local people.”
These new pharmacies will soon open their doors, giving residents the dignity, fairness and peace of mind that comes with having trusted healthcare on their doorstep.