Responding to the news that the Government is examining a Pharmacy First scheme, Malcolm Harrison, Chief Executive of the CCA said:
“We welcome plans for a Pharmacy First scheme in England. However, after eight years of funding cuts, the pressures on community pharmacies are simply untenable. Spiralling inflation, rising costs of medicines and workforce shortages has put the pharmacy network on the brink. The Government’s plans must be funded appropriately – pharmacies cannot ride to the rescue for free”.