A LEADING Labour politician says concerns among pharmacists about medicine shortages are worrying.

Ruth Alcroft, the party’s Parliamentary hopeful in Carlisle, spoke after posters were put up in the city, urging people to highlight any difficulties they have had.

They urge residents to contact Carlisle’s Conservative MP, John Stevenson, to raise their worries.

He confirmed that a handful of people have been in-touch with him.

Some readers have also raised problems they have had with the News & Star since the issue was highlighted on Monday.

Mrs Alcroft, who is also a city councillor for Denton Holme and Morton South, said: “This poster is a worrying sign that things aren’t right.

“For so many people, including in my own family, getting the right prescription drugs is the difference between functioning and not functioning.

“Between having a quality of life and not.

“For some, those with severe allergies for example, these drugs are lifesavers.

“Well done to staff at Sainsbury’s pharmacy for making customers aware of what is going on and where responsibility lies.”

Pharmacists told Pharmacy Magazine, which is running the campaign, that they feel under-supported due to a lack of communication.

It is hoped that the nationwide campaign will raise awareness of the realities facing pharmacists who are dealing with confused and anxious customers.

The medicine shortages aren’t a result of one singular problem, or even a problem based only within the UK.

Richard Thomas, editor of Pharmacy Magazine, commented: “It’s things like global demand is increasing, the cost of raw materials is increasing, regulatory costs are increasing, there are fluctuations in exchange rates which markets become less attractive, and globalised supply chains...are quite vulnerable to disruption.”

  • Have you been affected by the medicine shortage? Do you have concerns about supply issues affecting you or are you a pharmacist who can give more insight into the issue? Share your story by emailing rebecca.henrys@newsquest.co.uk