Pharmacy reopens on campus of University of East Anglia

Boots closed its pharmacy at the UEA medical centre, close to Bluebell Road, in July 2023, leaving 17,000 students and members of the local community in the lurch.

Nathan Wyatt, the welfare, community and diversity officer at the UEA Students' Union, launched a campaign in November of the same year to get a pharmacy back on the campus.

University students petitioned to bring back the on-site pharmacy(Image: UEASU)

And after a two-year struggle, a pharmacy was reopened at the same location on Thursday by Anand Patel.

"We will be able to offer NHS professional advice and support with common illnesses and health needs alongside drug addiction services, sexual health and immunisation services," Mr Patel said.

"The pharmacy will also be able to provide medication supplies against private and NHS prescriptions, as well as emergency supplies for those in need of urgent help.

Anand Patel reopened the pharmacy on Thursday(Image: UEA)

“The pharmacy aims to integrate itself within the UEA and local Norwich communities and will have open lines of communication for feedback in store for suggestions on chemists’ goods, health and beauty products and snacks and services that people would like to see on offer.

"I look forward to welcoming you all to your new pharmacy service.” 

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Mr Patel submitted the pharmacy contract in October last year and it only recently received approval.

The delay in reopening was partly due to Boots terminating its NHS pharmacy contract for the UEA campus branch before the pharmacy’s ownership could be transferred to new management.

The pharmacy is in Bluebell Road(Image: UEA)

Further delays were caused by an appeal launched against the reopening.

MP for Norwich South, Clive Lewis, who has continuously supported the reopening, said: “The reopening of the UEA campus pharmacy is fantastic news for students, staff and the wider community.

"Access to medicines and healthcare advice on site makes a real difference, and it’s a testament to the persistence of campaigners who fought to bring this service back."