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€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.