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The Royal Pharmaceutical Society has called for pharmacists and pharmacy to be at the heart of the forthcoming NHS workforce plan in its response to the Government’s call for evidence on the key factors that might influence the future NHS workforce.

The RPS invited members to share case studies and evidence to help inform its response.

Among the factors under consideration were the education and training needs for a developing pharmacy workforce, the future of pharmacist prescribing and scope of practice, and the importance of a supportive development pathway to support pharmacists’ evolving role in patient care.

Further considerations were the need for pharmacists to have protected time for professional development, leadership and developing new services, as well as measures to boost recruitment and retention. The impact of new technologies, pharmacy supervision changes and skill mix were also taken into account.

Tase Oputu, chair of the RPS English Pharmacy Board, said: “Workforce is the biggest budget spend for our health service; medicines are second. If the Government is serious about transforming the NHS, then pharmacy must be at the heart of its workforce plan.”

Pharmacist prescribing and innovations like pharmacogenomics offer huge potential, but to deliver this will require investment in pharmacy’s workforce and leadership to maximise the benefits for patients, she added.

“With changes to NHS structures and pharmacy teams under enormous pressure, it is vital our workforce gets the recognition and support it deserves, so that we can continue making a difference for patients and build a stronger future,” Ms Oputu concluded.