“The clue is in the title ‘community’ pharmacy. We are absolutely part of our communities and embedded within that,” says Nick Kaye, Chair of the National Pharmacy Association in a recent interview with Accord Healthcare. As we celebrate World Pharmacist Day, it’s an important moment to recognise the essential role that pharmacists play as accessible healthcare providers.

Pharmacists have long been trusted as the first port of call for health advice and treatment, and recent initiatives like Pharmacy First have cemented this role even further. Pharmacy First has allowed pharmacists to take on more clinical responsibilities, managing minor ailments directly and providing fast, efficient care that keeps patients well within their communities. This shift has already made an impact in some regions of the UK with anecdotal reports from healthcare professionals and has the potential to significantly reduced the burden on GPs and emergency services, demonstrating the integral role that pharmacists now play in the wider healthcare network.[1]

Looking to the future, there is potential for the Pharmacy First model to be expanded further, enabling pharmacists to manage more conditions and offer a wider range of services. Such growth would empower pharmacists to take on even greater roles in patient care, helping to alleviate pressures across the healthcare system. However, for this vision to become a reality, pharmacists need sustained recognition, funding and backing from healthcare leaders.

Reports in the pharmacy and GP press have highlighted the pressing need for greater investment in resources and support as pharmacists take on expanding responsibilities. Ensuring that community pharmacy can continue meeting the evolving needs of patients requires not only this investment but also sustained and effective collaboration between pharmacists, GPs, and other healthcare providers. Strengthening these partnerships will be crucial in allowing pharmacists to thrive as key healthcare providers while adapting to new challenges in patient care.

Nick Kaye encourages pharmacists to get involved with their local Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), his advice to fellow pharmacists is clear: “Be brave. Even being visible in the room can have a powerful impact.” It’s a message that speaks to the importance of staying engaged in conversations about the future of healthcare and continuing to advocate for the profession. As we celebrate World Pharmacist Day, it’s not just about reflecting on past successes but also about looking forward to the opportunities ahead. By remaining proactive, visible, and confident in their abilities, pharmacists can shape the future of healthcare and continue to secure their place as indispensable members of the healthcare community.

For further insights from Nick Kaye on the future of community pharmacy, you can access articles published following his interview with Accord Healthcare:

• NPA Chair Nick Kaye’s Blueprint for Shaping Community Pharmacy
• NPA Chair Nick Kaye on the Future of Pharmacy: Insights from the Front Lines

Date of Prep: August 2024 Job Code: UK-Gen-NP-01475

[1] Nottingham and Nottinghamshire ICB. ‘Pharmacy First Service Already Making a Difference’ Last accessed August 2024