NPA welcomes acknowledgement of pharmacists in white paper

The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has welcomed the government's acknowledgement of the growing importance of UK pharmacy services.

In its recent NHS white paper, the government stated that pharmacies can play a key role in supporting better healthcare outcomes, as well as outlining the principle that frontline healthcare professionals should have more say over investment.

Both sentiments have been backed by NPA chairman Dr Ian Facer, who said it is now important for an improved sense of partnership to be instilled at every level of the NHS.

He stated that the development of pharmacy services "need not be put on hold" while new commissioning structures are implemented, as well as calling for pharmacists to be involved in all levels of decision-making.

"GP commissioning can only make best use of NHS resources and be truly transformative if it is characterised by genuine accountability and partnership with all frontline providers," he said.

The NPA has been lobbying for an expanded role for pharmacies in healthcare for several months, identifying sexual health, vaccinations and health screening as key services which pharmacists can offer.