Liberal Democrats is committed to reviewing the current pharmacy funding formula, says Daisy Cooper MP
The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) kicked off their One Day to #saveourpharmacies day of action with the support of Liberal Democrats Health and Care spokesperson Daisy Cooper MP.
Cooper visited the NPA headquarters in St Albans this morning to show her support for local pharmacies across the UK who are participating in the protest by turning off their lights, blacking out their windows, wearing black for the day, or speaking to customers about pharmacy funding.
Blacked out windows at Cadbury health pharmacy
The MP described the NPA’s day of action to #SaveOurPharamacies as the first-ever nationwide protest by pharmacies.
Highlighting the importance of the protest, she said: "It’s not hard to see why they are staging a protest today. There are ten pharmacies closing every single week so far this year, and an estimated two thirds have been cutting back their hours as well. The reason for this is that they aren’t reimbursed for the services that they provide properly.”
Copper reiterated Liberal Democrats’ commitment to review the current pharmacy funding formula, which has been a point of contention for many.
“If you can’t keep our pharmacies open, then people are going to lose out on accessing the healthcare they need right on their high streets. Pharmacies play a fantastic role not just in issuing prescriptions, but also in running all sorts of health services, advice and treatment. So, pharmacies are really valuable to our local communities,” she noted.
She thanked all of the pharmacists who are taking part in the protest and the public who are engaging with pharmacists today.
Battlebus visiting Deputy PM Oliver Dowden's constituency.
The NPA’s #saveourpharmacies battlebus hit the road, taking the message about the crisis in community pharmacy to the public.
Gareth Jones, Director of External & Corporate Affairs at NPA, led the bus to the constituencies of Deputy PM Oliver Dowden in Hertsmere and Leader of the UK Labour Party and Leader of the Opposition Keir Starmer in Holborn and St Pancras.
Pharmacies participating in the protest are asking patients to sign #saveourpharmacies petition and join them in demonstrating their protest.
According to NPA, there have been 1,400 pharmacy closures in England in the last decade, with increasing risk of closures in Wales, NI, and Scotland.
Sukhi Basra
