A branch of Boots in Westminster hosted a visit from the pharmacy minister Will Quince who was given a blood pressure check and flu vaccination but was also warned by the Company Chemists’ Association chief executive that pharmacies will not be able to deliver the government’s plan to improve patient care without an increase in funding.

Malcolm Harrison (centre), who met Quince (far left) during his visit to the pharmacy today, said he shared the Department of Health and Social Care’s vision, unveiled last month by the previous health secretary Thérèse Coffey, to improve the NHS and social care but insisted he was “worried” about under-investment and continued workforce challenges.

As part of the plan, the government said it would launch a “new community pharmacy offer” to reduce reliance on GPs by expanding the range of services pharmacies provide.

“We share the minister’s vision on how community pharmacies and their teams can contribute to the ‘plan for patients’ set out by the Secretary of State. It is great to have the support of the minister and we are excited for the future of pharmacy,” Harrison said.

“However, we are worried that the current levels of under investment, and the continued workforce challenges, mean that pharmacies may not be able to deliver the minister’s vision.

“Community pharmacies pride themselves on their ability to provide accessible care, medicines, and advice. We know that the sector can support the NHS and local communities even more, if the government provides the funding needed for today and works with us to effectively plan for the future.”