Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question addresses the challenges faced by small rural pharmacies due to low footfall and limited referral rates, with specific reference to the Modbury pharmacy.
I recently visited Modbury pharmacy where owner Phil Dawes highlighted the challenges facing small rural pharmacies. The current funding model does not take into account lower footfall and limited referral rates common in rural areas. If a pharmacy closes, it causes extreme difficulties for people accessing advice and medicines. Will the Government consider introducing rural exceptions or adjusted funding thresholds so that we can keep community pharmacies open?
The pharmacy sector faces huge challenges after massive cuts over the past 14 years. We are beginning to rebuild, but there are particular challenges for rural pharmacies. The Government is looking at comprehensive reform involving better use of technology and hub and spoke dispensing, which would enable better remote dispensing for rural pharmacies.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific funding adjustments or exceptions for rural areas
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from the struggles of pharmacies to provide new NHS suggested services due to staffing and equipment issues.
I have visited pharmacies across my constituency which are struggling to provide service but keen on taking on new community services such as diabetes testing and weight management treatments. Will the Minister commit to ensuring that rural and community pharmacies are properly staffed and equipped to deliver these services so that patients are not left behind just because of where they live?
Community pharmacies will play a central role in the shift from hospital to community, as part of our 10-year plan. Part of that is about Pharmacy First and increasing awareness of this scheme. The aim is also to free up pharmacists to operate at the top of their licence, which involves streamlining dispensing processes. Hub and spoke legislation will be crucial in enabling remote dispensing.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific commitment to proper staffing and equipment for new services
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The question is prompted by the Government's decision to cap consultations in Pharmacy First, a system introduced by the previous government.
I am pleased to hear about the Minister’s support for Pharmacy First but why has he decided to cap the number of consultations that a pharmacist may do? Once pharmacists hit this cap, they are no longer paid £17 per consultation. This could turn patients away or force pharmacists to pay themselves, creating extra costs in other areas of primary care.
Regarding Pharmacy First, we are working to ensure that financial arrangements incentivise pharmacists effectively. Given past issues with incentives set up under the previous government, those need adjustment. The goal is to make Pharmacy First work and free up primary care pressure.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific reasons for capping consultations and impact on patient access
Response accuracy