Community pharmacy in Wales received a financial boost today (11 January) with the news of additional funding of up to £2.5m (up to £3,500 per pharmacy) to support increased access to and availability of priority services. 

The funding is being made available by the Welsh Government to support those pharmacies who “consistently provide increased availability of the common ailment service this winter”, reducing pressure on hospitals, GP practices and other NHS services, according to Community Pharmacy Wales.

CPW chair Mark Griffiths said: “Community Pharmacy Wales is extremely grateful to pharmacists across Wales for their vital work during the pandemic.

“We welcome the funding of £3,500 to each pharmacy that provides the common ailment service, acknowledging the important role that pharmacies can play in reducing pressure on NHS services.”

According to CPW data, pharmacies across Wales had provided 168,300 flu vaccinations by the end of December 2021, a 92 per cent increase compared to the same point last year.

Additionally, despite media concern over access, community pharmacies delivered 469,886 transactions of lateral flow tests in 2021, with 189,649 transactions in December providing 283,047 kits to 229,789 patients.

Commenting on the announcement, Elen Jones, RPS Director for Wales said: “We are delighted that the Welsh Government continue to recognise the value of pharmacists in patient care and we welcome this additional investment and support for Community Pharmacy teams across Wales.

"We fully support the approach to enhancing patient access to primary health care by further utilising the skills and knowledge of community pharmacists. We are very pleased that these additional monies will support the flexibility and resilience of community pharmacy teams in continuing to deliver services throughout the demanding winter months.  

"Community pharmacy will continue play a pivotal role in supporting patients this winter. As always, it is vital that patients are fully informed about the range of health services available to them so they can make the right choice in accessing the right service at the right time."