The Liberal Democrats have pledged to “supercharge” England’s Pharmacy First service. The party’s autumn conference in Brighton approved a policy motion to expand the service and integrate it into the NHS App.
The motion, titled “Patient-centred, accessible and preventive: a liberal vision for primary health care,” aims to put community pharmacies on a sustainable financial footing. It also seeks to make the service fairer for rural and coastal areas.
Pharmacy First Expansion and Integration
The Liberal Democrats plan to expand Pharmacy First to include new services. They also want to allow patients to book these services through the NHS App. The party describes pharmacies, alongside general practices and dentists, as “the front door to the rest of the NHS.”
However, the motion notes that community pharmacies have faced closures and a shrinking share of NHS spending. Amandeep Doll, director for England at the Royal College of Pharmacy, emphasized the need for investment in the pharmacy workforce and infrastructure.
Financial Sustainability and Medicines Safety
The Liberal Democrats’ motion addresses the financial pressures on community pharmacies. Malcolm Harrison, chief executive of the Company Chemists’ Association, welcomed the recognition of these challenges. He stressed the need for a sustainable financial footing for pharmacies to take on an expanded NHS role.
The party also pledged to improve medicines safety information and review prescription charge exemptions. Doll noted that pharmacists want to focus on being health professionals, not tax collectors. She urged the government to address prescription charges to help with the cost of living and improve medicines adherence.
Cross-Party Engagement and Future Policies
Janet Morrison, chief executive of Community Pharmacy England, welcomed the Liberal Democrats’ vision. She highlighted the importance of utilizing pharmacists’ clinical expertise and ensuring a sustainable future for community pharmacies.
Morrison also emphasized the need for cross-party engagement as political parties develop their next election manifestos. The Liberal Democrats’ motion reflects input from various stakeholders, including Community Pharmacy England and the Company Chemists’ Association.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency is exploring electronic patient information leaflets to improve patient information. This initiative aligns with the Liberal Democrats’ focus on medicines safety and patient-centered care.