Wes Streeting “understands that funding is an issue”, the head of a local pharmaceutical committee has said after the health secretary’s first visit to a community pharmacy since entering Government. 

Mr Streeting recently visited Hainault Station Pharmacy in his constituency of Ilford North, Community Pharmacy North East London chief executive Shilpa Shah announced today (August 7) in a LinkedIn post. 

“It felt as though Wes really gets it,” said Ms Shah (pictured right) after the meeting, adding that he “took lots of notes”. 

She commented: “He understands fully the role that community pharmacy can play in the health and wellbeing of local communities. He understands that funding is an issue and needs addressing.” 

Ms Shah described the secretary of state (SoS) as “open to new, innovative ideas” and said the LPC looks forward to working with him “to optimise the role of community pharmacy within the primary care area, with fair and appropriate remuneration”.  

Talks between Labour and Community Pharmacy England around the 2024-25 funding package are not expected to start before September. 

The party has so far not outlined its position on the sector’s contractual arrangements, but has indicated that it will transfer money out of the hospital sector and into primary care. 

In a recent interview with P3pharmacy, pharmacist and Labour MP for Coventry North West Taiwo Owatemi said she wants “to see more money for the sector,” adding that she will raise these issues with pharmacy minister Stephen Kinnock.