Bay MP launches pharmacy fact-finding mission

Torbay MP Steve Darling is launching a new survey aimed at understanding the vital work and challenges faced by pharmacies in Torbay.

The news comes on the same day that a massive funding boost for pharmacies was announced by the government.

Recognising the essential role pharmacies play in supporting the health and well-being of the community, Mr Darling has written to all pharmacies in Torbay, sending them a copy of the survey to complete. Pharmacy teams are also invited to share their insights online at torbaylibdems.org.uk/pharmacy 

He said: "Pharmacies are the backbone of our healthcare system, providing crucial services to residents across Torbay. I want to hear directly from those on the frontlines about the challenges they face and how we can better support them.”

The feedback gathered will help shape his advocacy in Parliament and ensure that the needs of local pharmacies are addressed effectively.

It was announced that the Department of Health and Social Care has reached an agreement with Community Pharmacy England to provide an additional £617 million for pharmacy services over two years. 

Overall, the new pharmacy contract will mean NHS pharmacies in England will receive £3.073 billion funding for core work such as dispensing prescriptions.

Key funding areas of the new deal:

·Continue the Pharmacy First programme - as an alternative to GP appointments for patients to be seen for certain conditions – as well as funding blood pressure checks and other extra services.

·Emergency hormonal contraception, also known as the 'morning after pill', will now be available for free at every NHS pharmacy.

·The contract will also make it easier for pharmacies to change the timing of their core opening hours. This flexibility would allow them to choose when to deliver their usual 40 contracted hours over a week to avoid opening when it's not 'economically viable'