A health centre is urging its patients to fight back against a proposal to close its in-house pharmacy.

The surgery that is currently at Iveldale Drive in Shefford, is asking people help save its dispensary, which would have to close if a proposed Government Pharmacy White Paper bill is implemented.

Doctor Cakebread and partners of the centre, is appealing for all those who would be affected by the closure to write to their local Mid Beds MP Nadine Dorries - in a bid to save the pharmacy.

In a letter to its patients, the surgery said: "The new Pharmacy White paper will effectively stop this surgery from being able to dispense medication to its patients.

"This will mean that when you are not feeling at your best and your doctor writes you a prescription you will then have to make your way to a chemist.

"Possibly fight the traffic, find a parking space and then wait in a
queue to get your medication."

The proposal in the Government paper Pharmacy In England, would mean that any GP surgery with more than around 3,0000 registered patients would not be able to dispense drugs.

The surgery's letter added: "Please don't think 'what difference can I make.'

"Don't underestimate your power and the power of public opinion. Dispensing from surgeries has been threatened in the past only to be saved by public protests."

Anyone who would like their voice to be heard on the issue can write to Nadine Dorries MP, House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA, or click here to e-mail