Politicians

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has highlighted the Labour government’s commitment to increasing the role of community pharmacies to MPs.

The previous health secretary has slated Wes Streeting for “casting doubt” on Pharmacy First, while he has asked her “how many pharmacies went bust on her watch”. 

Members of the legislative assembly (MLAs) have urged the government to “get behind” community pharmacies, provide the sector with a “modest” investment and get pharmacies to “do more”. 

The health secretary has criticised “threats of collective action” from the NPA as the pharmacy body has begun balloting its members on work to rule action to secure a better funding deal for community pharmacy.

The parliamentary All-Party Pharmacy Group has relaunched and elected a new chair, it announced last week.

Scottish community pharmacies are set to offer Pharmacy First consultations for a “wider range of health conditions” as part of primary care reforms, C+D has learned.  

The Welsh government wants a “fair and proportionate pay uplift” for community pharmacies after awarding a 6% pay increase to doctors and dentists, it has announced.

“There’s not enough being spent” on community pharmacy, Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey has warned.

Lord Darzi’s report into the NHS has noted that community pharmacy has struggled with “too few resources” but has “huge potential for a step change” in its role.

Liberal Democrat MP Layla Moran will chair the health and social care select committee, parliament has announced.