St Albans MP hosts debate on pharmacies’ future

St Albans MP Anne Main has hosted a debate on the future of local pharmacies at Parliament.

St Albans MP Anne Main hosting a discussion on integrating pharmacies into NHS functions. Photo supplied by her office. - Credit: Archant

The National Pharmacy Association (NPA), which is based in St Albans, also attended the launch of a report by ResPublica, a think tank, into whether pharmacies could have a greater role in healthcare.

Mrs Main said: “If pharmacies are to deliver new services, there would have to be a proper funding stream to reflect that.

“Pharmacies are an untapped resource, so further integration with the NHS makes complete sense.”

“From conversations I’ve had with local pharmacists, it is clear they are willing to take on new responsibilities.

“This would take pressure off front-line services, so we need to assess how further integration would happen.

“The NPA are doing a terrific job of finding ways in which this can be done, and I welcome the new report by ResPublica that is trying to find solutions.”