BARA

Ant Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > macroban Wrote: > -------------------------------------------------- > ----- > > The original posting was about "drug users" the > > sands have now shifted to inadequate > > consultation. > > > > > Not sure I get your point, macroban. The original post said "There is concern..." We have attempted to talk to the health authority (the PCT), but the relevant person admitted that they didn't really understand the process, the applications prodecure or the Regulations (they couldn't actually find the Regulations) and they weren't sure what exactly was going to happen now. We have contacted the Lib Dems and Tessa Jowell's office, but no one so far has heard anything about this and they are also making their own enquiries now. People want involvement and want to be allowed to have a view. If it is all so straightforward, why have intereted parties not been made aware of the proposal. Thank you also to everyone who has contacted us via BARA's hotmail address.

Ted Max Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > I've got two kids at that nursery too, Ant, and > I'm relaxed about the idea of a 24 hour pharmacy > and needle exchange. I also slightly object to > BARA implying opposition from the nursery - given > that it doesn't sound as if any was expressed, > just hat the nursery confirmed it had not been > consulted. We have always said that it is up to the nursery and other interested parties to make their own representations. BARA will make its own representations. We are simply trying to bring it to people's attention. We all want open dialogue and transparency in the process.

A member of BARA met with Tessa Jowell's office this morning. They agreed that whatever happens, we should have been provided with the information earlier and that we should be given adequate time to make appropriate comments. Bawdy-Nan, BARA have also pointed out to the PCT the provisions made in the NHS (Pharmaceutical Services) Regulations 2005 (regulation 23). When BARA met with Tessa Jowell's office, we made the point that if the pharmacy goes ahead (which is may well do), we would like assurances about better lighting, security measures and at least daily street cleaning to pick up items such as discarded syringes. We do not believe that it is wrong to oppose the proposal in order to allow time to be consulted.

Macroban, BARA committee members have access to the BARA user account - this has been cleared with the Administrator. We seek to represent the views of BARA, rather than personal views (individuals sometimes have a different view to the overall view of BARA). We will post the date of our next meeting for people who want to attend to discuss this topic and other topics - there are regular meetings for people to attend and we notify the local community in our area of those dates.

I am aware that one pharmacy already provides a needle exchange. That pharmacy is open until 5.30pm on weekdays and 9am-1pm on Saturday. This pharmacy has a few regular people (who live in the local area) that come in, and they do not experience many problems. We have the concern of the added hours - until 11pm every day, including weekends. We are concerned about more drug users being attracted to the area and issues including safety at night. One local pharmacist has told us that he regularly picks up used syringes from the pavement (a busy shopping street). He has repeatedly asked them not to leave them there and he has even asked them to come into the pharmacy and he will dispose of them. He actually ends up picking up the used syringes himself because he is worried about them being left there. Bellenden Belle - We are also not interested in hearsay. We would have preferred to have heard this directly and in a timely fashion, instead of finding out about it in passing from another source, one week before comments/objections can be submitted. This is not the only area which is trying to have a say in such services, e.g. the same issue is going on at Heaton Rd in Peckham/Nunhead. BARA campaigns to have its voice heard on a number of issues. A couple of years back they collected 20,000 signatures to prevent the closing of the Community Centre. We want an open dialogue. A number of people have already expressed concern and signed a petition. I respect your view and they too are entitled to their view and to ask for an open dialogue.

CWALD - I agree whith some of your points. What people would like is some open dialogue about what is going on. For example, how the health authority/council intend to deal with any negative aspects. "so unless you think the pharmacy will be fly tipping needles into the nursey garden, or junkies will be jacking up on the pavement, I don't know how this is going to impact on the nursery" ... Other areas have unfortunately seen problems, that's why we would like to oppose the application and at least have the opportunity to have an open dialogue before any decisions are made. When we called the relevant person at the health authority, they admitted that they "didn't really understand" how the process re decision-making works. That response did not fill us with confidence. "Drug addicts have as much right to expect decent services in their area as anyone else" ... I agree. Drug addiction is an illness just like any other illness. We have also said a number of times that facilities are needed for them, but we would like an open dialogue about what is going to happen.

AllforNun - BARA has spoken to both the nursery and the people in charge of the after-school club and the youth club. The doctor's surgery or Mediquick has not mentioned any of this to them. This is surprising given that they are neighbours. The last date for any comments to be made is next week, so they haven't left much time to tell them. We should add that the application has been made under the company name of Mediquick and it is believed that the medical centre will provide the space for them or that Mediquick/or PCT will build additional premises.

The extended hours would indeed be a benefit. Unfortunately, the down sides are worrying. For example, we have spoken with someone whose mother lives near such a pharmacy which offers needle exchange/methadone supervision - her mother has said the effect on the area/safety issues/rise in trouble has been dreadful.

The health authority has received an application to open a pharmacy on the Dulwich Medical Centre Premises (163-9 Crystal Palace Rd). This is next door to Gumboots Community Nursery, Gumboots After-School Club and the youth club at the Community Centre. Dulwich Medical Centre is 2 minutes walk to Northcross Road and less than 5 minutes walk to Lordship Lane. The pharmacy will be a ?100 hour pharmacy?, hours likely to be 7.00 AM to 11.00PM, 7 days a week. Services will include a needle exchange service and possible supervised methadone consumption for drug addicts, e.g. heroin addicts (the methadone service may be available immediately or at a later date). There is concern that this will attract drug users to the area, affecting safety (particularly at night) and leading to an increase in anti-social incidents. Others areas which have had pharmacies with similar services opened, have seen a rise in drug addicts present, used syringes discarded on to the streets and trouble caused by the people present. All interested parties have not been made aware of the proposals. We are worried about the approach of the health authority (the PCT). To add your name to the petition against this proposal, please reply by private message (?Reply via PM? option) with your name and address. Please also include the details of any other adults in your household who object - we need as many signatures as possible. Objections must be received by 8th November* (this date was extended from 26th September, after BARA met with Tessa Jowell's office). Please spread the word to neighbours/friends. Thank you For further info contact [email protected] or e-mail [email protected] Regards BARA - Barry Area Residents Association Covering the area bordered by Crystal Palace Rd, Friern Rd, Lordship Lane and Upland Rd (including Henslowe Rd, Goodrich Road, Darrell Rd, Silvester Rd, Hindmans Rd, Landells Rd, Barry Road, Plough Lane, Etherow Street, Mulberry Close and part of Underhill Rd) Please note: We have all the official documentation on this - its not just a rumour. Please e-mail us for further info. *date amended after extension was granted