Westminster City Council is examining how vulnerable residents can access community pharmacies and obtain necessary medicines, according to a recent council meeting. The council is particularly concerned with how the rising cost of living is impacting vulnerable residents' access to medication and treatment.
The Vulnerable Adults, Health and Communities Policy and Scrutiny Committee has been actively reviewing community pharmacy provision and access to medicine for socially vulnerable residents. The committee is gathering data from various sources to assess the needs of vulnerable residents. These sources include representations from the Chief Officer, Community Pharmacy KCW (Kensington, Chelsea and Westminster), Service Manager, Healthwatch Westminster, and the Cabinet Member.
In July 2024, the committee heard how vulnerable residents, especially in light of the changes in the cost of living, can access medicines and obtain medical treatment. The report mentions that Members considered the delivery of the Community Pharmacy provision and how eligibility to receive free or reduced medication and care is determined.
This scrutiny highlighted the importance of knowledge and relationships across partners. Members made recommendations that the NWL ICB shared what attention it had given to support residents who are vulnerable and/ or on low incomes with medicine costs and considers commissioning free basic medication. It was also recommended the NWL ICB give further consideration to the business case for provision of medicines to low income and/or vulnerable groups in Westminster, including financial implications and implementation of the Self Care Scheme to provide free medication.
The Vulnerable Adults, Health and Communities Committee recommended that the NWL ICB share what attention it had given to support residents who are vulnerable and/ or on low incomes with medicine costs and considers commissioning free basic medication. It was also recommended the NWL ICB give further consideration to the business case for provision of medicines to low income and/or vulnerable groups in Westminster, including financial implications and implementation of the Self Care Scheme to provide free medication.
The Vulnerable Adults, Health and Communities Policy and Scrutiny Committee leads Policy and Scrutiny activity for all matters relating to adult's safeguarding services, public health improvement and health services, community safety services, voluntary and community sector relationships and investment, and any other matter intended to support or safeguard vulnerable adults, improve health and wellbeing and support communities and the voluntary sector in the City.
