Over 150 pharmacists, MPs and peers gathered in the House of Lords this week (10 February) to celebrate the contribution of community pharmacies to the nation’s healthcare, and to bring parliamentarians up to date on current pressures facing the sector.
Speaking at the event, Health Minister Dr Zubir Ahmed MP praised community pharmacists as “pillars of the community” who provide high quality clinical care.
Promising the Government’s support to realise the potential of the community pharmacy sector, he acknowledged there is “so much still to do”.
Other speakers were Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Pharmacy Sadik Al-Hassan MP, event sponsor Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick and NPA Chair Olivier Picard.
Following the event, Olivier Picard said:
“Amidst all the immense pressures our members are facing, we wanted to give our hard-working members a brief moment to gather together in a relaxed atmosphere to celebrate their fantastic contribution to the wellbeing of patients, communities and the NHS.
“But this was also an opportunity to make sure parliamentarians are in no doubt about the challenges we are facing as independent pharmacies – and what they can do to help us make the case for investment in this vital network upon which so many patients rely.”
“Our clear message is that pharmacies need an above inflation funding settlement, a firm commitment to a properly funded expansion of clinical services, and comprehensive reform of the contractual framework.
“For our part we will continue to work constructively with the Government, and with other pharmacy leaders, to achieve a fundamental shift from hospital to community-based care in line with the 10 Year Health Plan for England.
“We thank Zubir, Sadik and Baroness Ritchie - and all our NPA members for being with us on the evening, and for their vital work in communities, day-in day-out.”
