Bhayani’s Battlebus

So, we’re into the last week of campaigning before the nation decides who will be in power!

This week in England, Wes Streeting (Shadow Health Secretary) spoke about Labour’s plan for general practice and primary care. He wants to shift far more resources into community services and said that improving access to GPs and community services was key to relieving pressures on hospitals. We’ve been lobbying for a greater focus on primary care and making a strong case for investment in community pharmacy to relieve pressure on GPs and improve access to care. Whoever forms the next Government, we will continue pushing for a significant increase to the proportion of the NHS budget going to community pharmacy. Wes Streeting also made a commitment to reviewing the ARRS scheme in light of news that some GPs are struggling to find work. We will continue to fight for investment and solutions to protect and enhance the community pharmacy workforce. Also this week, Junior doctors in England began a five-day strike. This is part of the BMA’s long-running pay dispute with the Government. Whoever the next Health Secretary in England will be is going to have a massive to do list!

This week across the UK, in Wales hospital doctors voted to accept an improved pay offer from the Welsh Government, ending the BMA’s industrial action in Wales. In Northern Ireland, politicians from the five main parties (DUP, Sinn Féin, SDLP, Alliance and UUP) took part in a general election debate and clashed over issues such as health funding, long waiting lists and transformation of services.

At NPA HQ the team reflected on our Day of Action last week and the amazing efforts by members and pharmacy teams across the UK. A big thank you and well done to everyone for campaigning on the day. Click here to see highlights of the day. We are now planning further action to continue the good fight!

This last week of campaigning before the election is crucial, as parties and candidates push to secure your vote. This is a great final opportunity to raise pharmacy issues, highlight our key asks for the sector, and secure support for community pharmacy from candidates. Please engage with your local candidates and share our sector Community Pharmacy Manifesto – you’ll find everything you need at: https://votepharmacy.org/. Plus, don’t forget to use #VotePharmacy on social media.