Minister Will Quince visits a community pharmacy in Westminster

Pharmacy Minister, Will Quince received flu vaccination and blood pressure check at his visit to a Boots pharmacy in Westminster arranged by the Company Chemists’ Association (CCA).

The Boots pharmacist, Flavia, explained to the Minister the broad range of services the pharmacy delivers, from the new medicines service to emergency contraception and the community pharmacy consultation service.

The Minister witnessed first-hand much of what the community pharmacy sector has to offer patients and the NHS.

Malcolm Harrison Chief Executive of the CCA said: “We share the Minister’s vision on how community pharmacies and their teams can contribute to the ‘Plan for Patients’ set out by the Secretary of State. It is great to have the support of the Minister and we are excited for the future of pharmacy.

“However, we are worried that the current levels of under investment, and the continued workforce challenges, mean that pharmacies may not be able to deliver the Minister’s vision.

Community pharmacies pride themselves on their ability to provide accessible care, medicines, and advice. We know that the sector can support the NHS and local communities even more, if the government provides the funding needed for today and works with us to effectively plan for the future.”