MPs will examine the impact of the Government’s funding package for community pharmacy in England in a series of evidence sessions organised by the All Party Pharmacy Group (APPG).

The investigation, starting this month, will “scrutinise aspects of the package announced on the 20th October,” said APPG, “to better understand the detail and impact of what is being proposed.”

“The All-Party Pharmacy Group has previously called for further investment in community pharmacies to allow them to provide more health services and ease the burden on GP surgeries and hospitals. The Department of Health believes this can be achieved with the new funding package that has been announced,” said Sir Kevin Barron MP, APPG chair.

“The Group will therefore scrutinise what is being proposed in detail to better understand what their reforms will mean for community pharmacies, and the patients they serve.”

Key questions that APPG says will be examined include:

• How will pharmacies respond to the funding changes? Will they make further efficiencies, reduce staffing or services, or close?
• What role will pharmacists play in GP surgeries?
• How can the Integration Fund foster a modern, clinical community pharmacy service?
• How will Minor Ailments Services be rolled out across England?
• Will the Pharmacy Access Scheme be sufficient to ensure good access to community pharmacies?
• What changes will take place following the King’s Fund report?

Selected participants will be invited to take part in the evidence sessions, although anyone wishing to attend as an observer can apply at appg-team@luther.co.uk. The outcome of the sessions will be made available at the APPG website.