Commenting on the 2020 Budget announcement, Claire Anderson, Chair of the English Pharmacy Board said:
“I recognise the impact that COVID-19 will have on the NHS, pharmacists and other frontline staff – all of whom will be working hard to support patient care.
“I welcome the Government’s commitment that the health service will get what it needs to respond to COVID-19, and wider measures such as on Statutory Sick Pay and business rates relief.
“Pharmacies may be worried about additional pressures in the coming months, including around media reports of potential medicine price rises, and the Government should be able to offer support where needed.
“It's great to see the Government’s continued support for the health service and I welcome funding to recruit 6,000 more professionals in primary care, including pharmacists, to help meet growing demand.
“This will also need to extend to education and training, including Foundation training for pharmacists, if we’re going to develop the workforce able to deliver the NHS Long-Term Plan for patients.
“It will be vital that the forthcoming NHS People Plan sets out a clear roadmap to make this happen.”