NHS chiefs are set to investigate pharmacy services in Kempsey following two applications for new services in the village. Kempsey is currently undergoing rapid expansion with house building identified at a number of sites in the village and constituents have written to their local MP Harriett Baldwin about the provision of local pharmacy services. Harriett has taken up the issue with NHS England, which oversees pharmacy provision and it has confirmed that it is investigating services in the village following two applications for a new outlet. The local GP surgery currently holds prescribing rights – as is common in rural areas – and depends on the income generated from running a pharmacy onsite. Harriett said: “I have been contacted by constituents who are eager to see the protection of current dispensing services by their local GP as the village grows. “NHS England has confirmed that it is looking into this issue and will assess applications for new pharmacies on a case-by-case basis. “Kempsey’s population is set to expand and many more services will be needed in due course. Nevertheless, I have passed on the comments of my constituents who are keen to make sure that the surgery retains the ability to prescribe drugs, and local people are able to access these services.”