Pharmacy sector leaders meet with MPs to discuss 'value pharmacies bring to local communities'

Sadik Al-Hassan revealed how his career as a pharmacist has helped shape him as a politician at an event in Parliament last week where LPC chairs and Community Pharmacy England (CPE) met with MPs.

The Labour MP for North Somerset, who spent over two decades working as a community pharmacist, spoke about his experiences as a former member of Avon LPC and how many of the skills he learned during that time, such as influencing, have helped in his role as an MP.

The event, hosted by the Forum of LPC Chairs, discussed the value that pharmacies bring to local communities, as well as ways to address the continued pressures facing the sector.

Industry leaders looked at ways to build an ever-stronger local voice for community pharmacy, including developing better ways of working and supporting each other to problem solve.

The event was attended by chairs (or vice-chairs) from 36 LPCs, who were later joined by more than 30 MPs and political researchers.

To help foster the sharing best practice across localities, core themes such as working practices and problem solving were explored through table discussions.

Janice Perkins, vice-chair of the Forum of LPC chairs, said: “This meeting was a valuable opportunity to further develop leadership and problem-solving skills, as well as exploring how LPC chairs can strengthen the partnership they have with their chief officer for the betterment of community pharmacy.

“Attendees were able to share their views and work through difficult issues in a collaborative and constructive way.

“As one of the key purposes of the Forum was as a platform to share best practice, it was very encouraging to see all the chairs keen to be involved and offer their contributions to the discussions.

“The Forum will continue to be important in strengthening the bond between national and local representation of pharmacy owners for the benefit of the sector.”

The chairs, supported by members of the CPE team, highlighted the value that pharmacies bring to local communities, and the need to protect them against the significant challenges that pharmacy teams are experiencing.

The event was part of ongoing work to ensure MPs understand the critical contribution of community pharmacies to the NHS and to press the Government to deliver on its commitment to developing a sustainable funding and operational model for the sector.