Pharmacies ‘can help provide salbutamol inhalers and spacers to schools’

Pharmacy Voice, the industry body representing the pharmacy sector, has tentatively welcomed new proposals for schools to hold salbutamol inhalers and spacers in case of emergency.

The organisation has responded to the suggestions from the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency and Department of Health by noting that community pharmacies are a natural hub for the provision of medicines for students with long-term health conditions.

However, Pharmacy Voice also expressed concerns that due consideration has not been given to the legal mechanism by which schools can obtain supplies of prescription-only medicines.

As such, it is asking that sufficient time is taken to ensure the legislation and guidance are fit for purpose before any new measures are put in place.

Rob Darracott, chief executive of Pharmacy Voice, said: "Asthma attacks can be dangerous for children in school without rapid access to the right medicines. Community pharmacy has a key role to play in positively supporting schools and pupils suffering from asthma."

The organisation was formed by the three largest community pharmacy owner associations – the Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies, the Company Chemists' Association and the National Pharmacy Association. Established in 2011, last year it ran its first public-facing campaign, Treat Yourself Better, which was seen by millions of people.