Commenting on the appointment of Rt Hon Steve Barclay MP as the new Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Chair of RPS in England Thorrun Govind said:
“Following the changes over the last few months, I hope ministers will now be able to focus on addressing the key challenges facing the health service and the country. This means not just getting through the winter, but planning for and investing in the future.
“It will be crucial to use the skills of all our health professions to support the NHS recovery, reduce health inequalities, manage the growing cost of long-term conditions, and deliver best value from medicines.
“Pharmacists and pharmacy teams will play a key role in enhancing patient access to care and I would urge the minister to support a more ambitious approach to advancing the clinical role of pharmacists across the NHS, including through a ‘Pharmacy First’ approach in England.
“Amid warnings of potential cuts to public spending, I hope the Government listens to health and care leaders who are united in the need for a comprehensive workforce plan to deliver better patient care. This must include investment in pharmacy education and training.
“As scientists and researchers, as well as clinicians, pharmacists also play a key role in pharmaceutical industry and will be vital to building on the UK’s position as a world leader in new therapies and technologies.”