Healthwatch England has today published its report “Pharmacy – what people want”, exploring the current state of pharmacy services and offering actions for healthcare leaders and the wider sector. In response to the report, Tase Oputu, RPS England Board Chair, said:

“This is a timely study from Healthwatch, showing how pharmacists and pharmacy teams will be central to delivering the Government’s ambitions on enhancing patient care. But there are also stark warnings for policymakers around medicines shortages, consistent access to pharmacy services, and the impact of prescription charges.

“This report echoes the continued concern from members about the impact of medicines shortages on patients and pharmacy teams. It adds to the growing calls on the Government to help ease shortages by updating medicines legislation to enable community pharmacists to make minor amendments to prescriptions to adjust the strength or formulation. Working with our advisory group on medicine shortages, RPS is now engaging with members and stakeholders on what changes might make help make a difference for patients.

“Pharmacists are really keen to use their skills to better support patients through new services such as Pharmacy First. As we ask pharmacy teams to do more, this must be backed up by enhanced communications and seamless IT systems, alongside sustainable funding and investment in the workforce.”

Read Healthwatch England’s report.

Find out about our investigation on medicine shortages.

Read RPS’ policy on prescription charges.

Read more RPS news stories.