Parliamentarians urge Wes Streeting to support community pharmacies

A group of 20 parliamentarians has written to health secretary Wes Streeting MP, calling for urgent government action to address the growing financial
crisis facing community pharmacies.

In the cross-party letter, supported by Community Pharmacy England (CPE), the MPs warned of a real risk of more pharmacy closures, with one in six pharmacy
owners saying that they are unsure if their pharmacy will survive the year.

They have urged the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and NHS England (NHSE) to prioritise long-term planning for pharmacies, including the
implementation of the Community Pharmacist Prescribing Service.

The MPs have also highlighted the need for more effective marketing for Pharmacy First to increase both walk-ins and referrals to this critical service.

CPE chief executive Janet Morrison welcomed the support of 20 cross-party parliamentarians and recognising the vital role pharmacies play in the local community.

She stressed the urgent need for immediate government intervention to ensure the survival of the sector and to maximise its potential in providing accessible care.