Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what support they will provide to pharmacies taking on more responsibilities, including referrals of cancer patients to specialists.

The Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework 2019-24 sets out how community pharmacy will support the NHS Long Term Plan, integrate with the National Health Service and provide more clinical services, such as advice and treatment for minor illnesses. A range of services have been introduced, including the Community Pharmacist Consultation Service which allows general practices and NHS 111 to refer patients to community pharmacies for minor illnesses.

The majority of community pharmacies also offer blood pressure checks and further support for patients who have been prescribed specific new medicines. Negotiations on additional support which could be provided by sector are ongoing. NHS England is piloting services which could be introduced, including the direct referral of people with potential symptoms of cancer, minor illness referrals from urgent and emergency care settings and the supply of contraception.

New standards for initial education and training will ensure that all new pharmacists entering the profession will be equipped with the skills and knowledge to undertake greater clinical roles and provision of healthcare services, including enhanced learning to become independent prescribers upon registration.