Tom signs letter in support of community pharmacies

Tom Gordon has joined 54 of his fellow Lib Dem MPs in co-signing a letter to Health Secretary Wes Streeting urging more support for community pharmacies. The letter, put together by Lib Dem Health and Social Care spokesperson Helen Morgan and titled “The Future of Pharmacies” calls for the Health Secretary to act to ensure that pharmacies get the funding and support they need, especially as the Government is currently in the process of expanding pharmacies’ responsibilities, and providing more care through them instead of hospitals and GPs. 

There are serious concerns that pharmacy’s across the UK are in crisis. The National Pharmacy Association have wanted that up to 1,000 pharmacies could close over the next few years, which would be detrimental both to local communities and government plans for increased pharmacy support for the NHS. 

The letter also raises the funding crisis facing Pharmacy First, an initiative that aimed to move more healthcare services in the community. Currently, the funding for this service will expire at the end of the first week of April, with no funding confirmed beyond that. As well as calling for more funding for this service, the letter also draws attention to the lack of confirmation around pharmacies’ funding rates, which is adding further uncertainty to what is already a precipitous situation. 

Commenting, Tom said: 

“I'm committed to saving our pharmacies from neglect. This letter is an essential part of raising awareness for this struggling sector, and that’s why I’ve signed it. We must see action from the Government to ensure pharmacies have the support they need to continue to operate and provide essential services in our communities. 

“I’ve come together with my Lib Dem colleagues to call for action. We need action today to make sure that this struggling but essential sector gets the due care and attention from the Government. Community pharmacies are rooted amongst local people, and as such are a vital first line of support for so many. To lose them would not just be a disaster for the health of our nation, including in Harrogate and Knaresborough. 

“I will continue the fight for everyone in Harrogate and Knaresborough to have the healthcare that they need and deserve.”

ENDS