By Neil Trainis

The former cabinet minister Gavin Williamson has been reported in a local newspaper as saying “it is really reassuring” that independent pharmacies “are ready to support the NHS and local residents by taking on more responsibility with prescriptions.”

Williamson (pictured) was said to have made his remarks during a visit to Birches Bridge Pharmacy in the Staffordshire village of Codsall where he met the owners of the family-run business. According to the Express and Star, Williamson met pharmacist James Laycock to discuss the government’s recent announcement of funding for a Pharmacy First scheme in England.

That pledge was made as part of its promise to invest £645 million in new money into community pharmacy over the next two years to help pharmacies provide a common conditions service as well as contraception and hypertension case-finding services.

Despite the funding pledge, community pharmacies continue to dispense medicines at a loss and are struggling with rising workload and costs and poor central funding, while details on how the £645 million will be invested remains unclear.

Williamson, the Conservative MP for South Staffordshire, was quoted in the Express and Star as saying: “It is really reassuring to see that independent pharmacies which play a vital role within our communities, are ready to support the NHS and local residents by taking on more responsibility with prescriptions.

“I’m confident that local branches will do an excellent job supporting the communities they already serve so well.”

Image: www.parliament.uk