Keir Starmer commits to pharmacy expansion, sector demands urgent action on funding

Sector leaders say community pharmacy can only reach their full potential if additional funding is provided and closures are stopped 

At Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) on Wednesday, Sir Keir Starmer highlighted his government's commitment to expanding the role of community pharmacy and independent prescribing to improve access to general practice.

He said: “We are going to expand the role of community pharmacies and accelerate the roll-out of independent prescribers. We need much more care to be delivered in local communities so that problems can be spotted earlier.”

The Prime Minister also talked about training more GPs and outlined the wider changes and improvements to the NHS that the government plans to deliver.

Janet Morrison, CEO of Community Pharmacy England (CPE) welcomed the government’s focus on community pharmacy.

She said: “We were very pleased to hear the Prime Minister talking so positively about community pharmacy at PMQs today, and we agree with him that community pharmacies hold the answer to improving access to wider primary care.”

However, Janet noted that these ambitions can only be achieved if “community pharmacies themselves are put on an economically sustainable footing.”

She said that CPE is actively engaged in discussions with ministers and looks forward to working with the government to achieve their shared goals for independent prescribing and enhancing the role of pharmacies in the healthcare system.

“We are ready to begin these discussions, and hope to do so very soon,” she added.

Paul Rees, chief executive of the National Pharmacy Association (NPA), echoed the need for urgent funding and action to prevent pharmacy closures.

Responding to the Prime Minister's comments at PMQs, Paul said: "It's good to see the government support the expansion of the role of community pharmacy and independent prescribing.

"However, pharmacies are also closing at a record rate, with seven a week closing so far this year and many more reducing their opening hours due to the impact of 40 per cent cuts.

"It is only with additional funding and an end to pharmacy closures that pharmacies can fulfil their full potential and take pressure away from overstretched GP's and hospital services."

During his speech at the 24th annual Pharmacy Business Awards, Pharmacy Minister Stephen Kinnock highlighted the crucial role that community pharmacies will play in the Labour government’s proposed healthcare reform.

He also acknowledged the financial strain faced by pharmacies and stated that the government is looking to address it as “a matter of urgency.”