New report highlights need for greater role for community pharmacy

Evidence is emerging to support the expansion of community pharmacists' role in the provision of healthcare in the UK.

Public Health England has published a Pharmacy and Public Health Forum progress report, detailing the development of evidence and research on community pharmacy's contribution to public health.

It was argued that the status of pharmacies in the community makes them an ideal way of distributing advice and support, as well as getting people to think about their health.

Many pharmacists are already providing smoking cessation services and weight management support, while promoting healthier lifestyles and eating.

Professor John Newton, chief knowledge officer at Public Health England, said: "We need to understand how delivery of public health services in local pharmacies could contribute to improving health outcomes and reducing health inequalities in those communities."

This comes after NHS England recently called on pharmacies to support doctors in providing care to vulnerable patients during the current harsh winter.