VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Pharmacy: Standards

Asked by Edward MorelloLiberal DemocratDepartment of Health and Social CareTabled Answered 7 May 2025UIN 47551

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he plans to take to improve (a) service delivery and (b) patient care standards in community pharmacies after the abolition of NHS England.

Answered by Stephen Kinnock

The Government recognises that pharmacies are an integral part of the fabric of our communities, as an easily accessible ‘front door’ to the NHS, staffed by highly trained and skilled healthcare professionals.

All services delivered within a community pharmacy are delivered under the supervision of a pharmacist, who are regulated by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). The GPhC is the independent regulator of pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and registered pharmacy premises in Great Britain, and will remain unaffected by any changes to NHS England. GPhC sets standards for the education and training of pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and pharmacy support staff. They inspect pharmacies to ensure standards are met and act if there are concerns about a registered pharmacy or pharmacy professional.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim