“There is more for modern pharmacy to do” despite the six per cent cut to funding, according to pharmacy minister Alistair Burt. Addressing the House of Commons last month in a debate, Mr Burt said: “We hope that the profession shares the Government’s determination to move pharmacy into a new future, and I am convinced that the future will be good.” He added: “Our vision is to bring pharmacy into the heart of the NHS.”

Funding cuts seem certain from his comment: “The Government contend that money can perhaps be saved in one place and used elsewhere for the delivery of new services. That is the reality of life,” he said. “I simply put it to colleagues that, in relation to good community services on the high street, there is more for modern pharmacy to do.”

The government is currently consulting on the introduction of a pharmacy access scheme, “which will provide more NHS funds to certain pharmacies compared with others,” he explained. Mr Burt commented that despite the changes the government was “committed to maintaining access to pharmacies and pharmacy services”.

Consultation between community pharmacy bodies and the DH closes on 24 March and final plans are expected in April.