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Last chance to have your say on local pharmacy services

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Portrait photo of Oliver Rouane-Williams
Oliver Rouane-Williams

Residents have until tomorrow to share their views on local pharmaceutical services as the county-wide consultation draws to a close.

Why it matters: The feedback will help shape the future of pharmacy services across Suffolk, influencing decisions about new pharmacy locations and service improvements.

The big picture: The three-yearly review examines whether current pharmaceutical services meet community needs, covering:

  • Local chemists and pharmacy counters

  • Supermarket pharmacies

  • Online pharmacy services

  • Specialist medical appliance contractors

A pharmacy shelf
Residents have until tomorrow to complete the online survey

What they're saying: "It is essential that we regularly assess these services to ensure that they are meeting the needs of our residents and are accessible to everyone," said Councillor Steve Wiles, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Protection.

How to take part:

  • Complete the online survey at https://bit.ly/4f4PUYC

  • The deadline is tomorrow (8 November)

  • The survey helps inform the Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA)

Why now: This review helps the Suffolk Health and Wellbeing Board, NHS England, and Integrated Care Boards plan future pharmacy services across the county.

Portrait photo of Oliver Rouane-Williams
Oliver Rouane-Williams
Mentioned in this article:
Suffolk County Council
Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board (ICB)
Posted in:
Healthcare Services

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Where have the boats gone? Ipswich Marina empties ahead of contentious £2m upgrade

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Portrait photo of Oliver Rouane-Williams
Oliver Rouane-Williams

Dozens of boats are disappearing from their long-term berths at Ipswich Marina as owners scramble to find new moorings within a two-week deadline. The relocations come as Associated British Ports (ABP) prepares to begin a £2m upgrade of the northern side pontoons.

Why it matters: The exodus of 39 vessels marks a significant change for the waterfront landscape, temporarily altering the character of one of Ipswich's most distinctive areas.

The big picture: ABP says the existing pontoons on the northern side have reached the end of their "usable life", necessitating urgent relocations ahead of the winter period. The company plans to create new pontoons in front of Coprolite Street and the main university building.

Port of Ipswich in Ipswich
The exodus of boats makes for strange viewing at the waterfrontOliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

By the numbers:

  • 39 boats need to relocate

  • £2m investment approved by ABP's board

  • 2 weeks given for vessels to move

  • 11 years some boat owners have been moored at the marina

What's happening: While some vessels will move to the opposite side of the wet dock, others may leave Ipswich entirely as the marina's established community faces disruption during the redevelopment.

Behind the scenes: The revised plans, submitted in July, followed compromises ABP says it made with boat owners. The company is now awaiting approval from Ipswich Borough Council, with a decision expected by the end of the year.

What they're saying: ABP's divisional port manager Paul Ager describes the £2m investment as a "strong vote of confidence" in the marina's future. The company says it has received "strong support" for upgrading the berthing facilities.

The bottom line: While the marina temporarily loses its familiar flotilla of vessels, ABP maintains the disruption is necessary for essential safety upgrades. The development marks the latest chapter in the ongoing transformation of Ipswich's waterfront.

Portrait photo of Oliver Rouane-Williams
Oliver Rouane-Williams

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