Royal Pharmaceutical Society publishes its general election manifesto

RPS members are encouragedto engage with their local candidates to include pharmacy in their debate at the next election 

The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) has published its general election manifesto highlighting some of the key challenges the next Government will face to support patients and the NHS.

The manifesto calls on general election candidates to show their support to securing patient access to medicines, a better-connected NHS, enhancing accessible prescribing in local communities, and maximising health improvement through locally accessible pharmacy teams.

Candidates are urged to called on the next Government, if elected, to support the pharmacy workforce to deliver patient care, unlock the potential of new advances in medicines, and continue to support funding for the UK science and research community.

The manifesto highlights the need for investment in IT infrastructure to support a better-connected NHS to enable all health professionals to access and update a patient’s record.

Further, the manifesto underscores fair funding for community pharmacies to maximise their contribution to person-centred care, public health and prevention, and medicines safety.

Ahead of the election, the date of which yet is to be announced, pharmacy teams are encouraged to start engaging with their MPs and local Prospective Parliamentary Candidates to show their support for pharmacy.

RPS President Claire Anderson said: “The health service is under continued pressure, striving to maintain patient access to quality care amid workforce shortages, widening health inequalities, and recurring medicines supply issues.

“Against this backdrop, the next Government will face some key challenges to support patients and the NHS in 2024 and beyond.

“But there are also opportunities, including growing the number of pharmacist prescribers, delivering care closer to home, and making the most of new advances such as pharmacogenomics.

“The future of our health service will be a key issue at the next election and I would encourage members to engage with their local candidates to help pharmacy be a part of that debate," she added.

According to RPS, up to eight per cent of all unplanned hospital admissions results from medication issues that pharmacists can help address.