Over 150 pharmacists gathered at the House of Lords on Tuesday (10) to celebrate their contributions to healthcare and make parliamentarians aware of the pressures being faced by the sector.
Health minister Dr Zubir Ahmed lauded them for providing high-quality clinical care and assured his government's support.
The minister also pointed out that there is “so much still to do”.
All Party Parliamentary Group on Pharmacy, Sadik Al-Hassan MP, event sponsor Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick and NPA chair Olivier Picard also spoke during the occasion.
Following the event, Olivier Picard said: “Amidst all the immense pressures our members are facing, we wanted to give our hard-working members a brief moment to gather together in a relaxed atmosphere to celebrate their fantastic contribution to the well-being of patients, communities and the NHS.
“But this was also an opportunity to make sure parliamentarians are in no doubt about the challenges we are facing as independent pharmacies – and what they can do to help us make the case for investment in this vital network upon which so many patients rely.”
“Our clear message is that pharmacies need an above-inflation funding settlement, a firm commitment to a properly funded expansion of clinical services, and comprehensive reform of the contractual framework.
“For our part we will continue to work constructively with the Government, and with other pharmacy leaders, to achieve a fundamental shift from hospital to community-based care in line with the 10 Year Health Plan for England.
“We thank Zubir, Sadik and Baroness Ritchie - and all our NPA members for being with us on the evening, and for their vital work in communities, day-in day-out.”
