Thursday 3rd April 2025   

Welcome to your weekly injection of local and national pharmacy news. As always, if you have any feedback or comments, please contact us by email at admin@cpdevon.org.uk.

Fred Thomas, Member of Parliament for Plymouth Moor View, visited Honicknowle Pharmacy last Friday to meet with Clement Tan and his pharmacy team to discuss the crucial role that local pharmacies play in providing accessible healthcare services to the community.

During the visit, Fred spoke to Clement to understand the challenges the team face every day, and to hear firsthand about the potential of community pharmacies in Plymouth. Pharmacies are currently grappling with a range of pressures linked to workforce, medicine supply and long-standing underfunding issues.

As part of its 10-Year Plan for the NHS, the Government wants to shift healthcare services closer to the community, and Fred eaffirmed his commitment to advocating for an increased role for community pharmacies. Importantly, pharmacies are often located in some of the more deprived communities, serving as a crucial lifeline for those who may otherwise struggle to access health advice.

The visit highlighted the importance of our local pharmacies and the range of services on offer from them, such as the NHS Pharmacy First service, Blood Pressure Checks and Oral Contraception. 

Fred Thomas MP said: “Local pharmacies, such as Honicknowle, are the foundation of our community healthcare system. They play a central role in our neighbourhoods, offering essential services that many people depend on. From providing expert guidance and critical medications to offering vaccinations and supporting the management of chronic health conditions, community pharmacies are indispensable.

“By easing the burden on GPs and hospitals, pharmacies ensure that people can access expert care and necessary treatments close to home. Their potential to take on an even greater role in healthcare is huge. Supporting our pharmacies is essential to ensure they can continue to serve our communities effectively.”

Sue Taylor, Chief Officer at Community Pharmacy Devon, said: “We appreciate Fred’s visit and his acknowledgment of the dedication and effort that community pharmacies put in daily as they struggle with a range of critical pressures. With the proper support, pharmacies can further enhance healthcare accessibility and improve patient outcomes. Our extensive services— including treating minor illnesses, dispensing medication, and public health support—highlight the crucial role pharmacies play in keeping our communities healthy.”

The latest deadline tracker is now available to view on our website.

On Wednesday 30th April there will be an online promotional meeting organised and funded by Pfizer Ltd which will include reference to Pfizer medicines relevant to the agenda topics. The topics will include Covi-19 Management: From Patient Identification to Treatment Selection and The LDF Service - Top Tips on Implementation.

This meeting is intended for healthcare professionals resident in the United Kingdom. For more information and to book this event, click here.

If you have a positive news story to share with us please send it to admin@cpdevon.org.uk and it will be featured in an upcoming edition of the review. If featured, you will also win a surprise gift for you and your team up to the value of £25!

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