Sir Oliver recently visited Crown Pharmacy in Shenley to learn more about community pharmacies. 

During the visit, Sir Oliver discussed the vital role community pharmacies play and the impact of the previous Conservative Government’s Pharmacy First programme, which expanded pharmacies’ capacity to treat common conditions, such as shingles and sinusitis. Sir Oliver was pleased to hear that this has improved access to treatment for the public and helped to alleviate pressure from the NHS. He noted pharmacies' potential to further expand their services and offer treatment for, and management of, more complex conditions, including diabetes, asthma, hypertension, menopause, and chest infections. 

Sir Oliver also praised the key role that pharmacies are playing in protecting people from ill health over the winter months by making it easier than ever to get a flu or COVID jab. 

Pharmacy owner Dilesh Rajani and representatives from Community Pharmacy Hertfordshire highlighted some of the issues facing the pharmacy sector, including funding gaps, medicine shortages, price increases, and problems with Government reimbursement payments, making clear that without additional support, pharmacies may have to increase their charges or cut back on services. Dilesh said that this could spell the end of Crown Pharmacy’s vital provision of free home-delivery to elderly and housebound patients.  

Sir Oliver committed to supporting community pharmacies and called for action from the Government, saying: “It was a pleasure to visit Crown Pharmacy in Shenley and meet with its owner, Dilesh, and representatives from Community Pharmacy Hertfordshire. Our local pharmacy teams work incredibly hard and provide invaluable support to patients in Hertsmere.  

I am proud that the Government I served in expanded pharmacies’ role through the Pharmacy First scheme, enabling them to offer more services to patients. However, I know that Community Pharmacy teams possess extensive skills and have the potential to play an even greater role in our healthcare system. I will therefore press for further expansion of pharmacy services and training, and the continuation of positive measures implemented by the previous Conservative Government to this end. 

Having heard about the current issues facing pharmacies on the frontline, I will also call on the Government to take immediate action to provide pharmacies with the urgent support they need.  

I look forward to working closely with local pharmacists and Community Pharmacy Hertfordshire moving forward and will do all I can to support their vital work.”