The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) has responded to the new GP Contract announced by NHS England, highlighting the need for integrated primary care and full use of pharmacy expertise to help deliver the ambitions of the 10 Year Health Plan.

Amandeep Doll, RPS Director for England, said:

“Strengthening primary care is essential to delivering the 10 Year Health Plan and shifting more care into community settings. Developing new approaches to Neighbourhood Health, tackling obesity and boosting prevention must include pharmacy and be backed by sustainable investment.

“Realising the ambitions in the 10 Year Health Plan will depend on making the most of the whole of the NHS workforce. Pharmacists and pharmacy teams expand clinical capacity, improve access for patients and support the safe and effective use of medicines.

“Pharmacists working in general practice have improved patient access by supporting people with long-term conditions, offering medicines expertise and helping to free up GP appointments. Pharmacists recruited through the ARRS continue to make a significant difference and it’s vital they remain part of multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality patient care.

“With continued financial pressures, pharmacists must be adequately resourced, including in system leadership roles, to help deliver best value from medicines for patients and the NHS.”

Read more RPS news stories.