Strengthening our voice: LPC Chairs and MPs meet to discuss future of pharmacy

LPC Chairs and Community Pharmacy England have met with MPs to discuss the value that pharmacies bring to local communities, as well as ways to address the continued pressures facing the sector.

The Forum of LPC Chairs held in Parliament last week focussed on efforts to build an ever-stronger local voice for community pharmacy, including developing better ways of working and supporting each other to problem solve. The event was attended by Chairs (or Vice Chairs) from 36 LPCs, who were later joined by 30+ MPs and political researchers (see more below).

Established in 2024, the Forum brings together all Chairs of LPCs in England to steer Community Pharmacy England on local matters and foster collaboration on areas of mutual interest.

During the principal session, Janice Perkins, Vice Chair of the Forum of LPC Chairs, considered the qualities an LPC Chair requires, describing her own experiences in the role and outlining how Chairs can support one another.

Delegates also heard from pharmacist and MP for North Somerset Sadik Al-Hassan about his own experiences as a former member of Avon LPC and how many of the skills he learned during that time, such as influencing, have helped in his role as an MP. Sadik stayed for the whole meeting to hear from LPC Chairs and answer questions.

To help foster the sharing best practice across localities, core themes such as working practices and problem solving were explored through table discussions.

Janice Perkins, Vice Chair of the Forum of LPC Chairs, said:

“It was brilliant to bring LPC Chairs together to discuss how we can work better, as well as offering them the chance to meet with their MPs for a bit of local relationship building.

This meeting was a valuable opportunity to further develop leadership and problem-solving skills, as well as exploring how LPC Chairs can strengthen the partnership they have with their Chief Officer for the betterment of community pharmacy. Attendees were able to share their views and work through difficult issues in a collaborative and constructive way.

As one of the key purposes of the Forum was as a platform to share best practice, it was very encouraging to see all the Chairs keen to be involved and offer their contributions to the discussions. There were also some great ideas for future learning, such as how Chairs can support Chief Officers with strategic thinking and ensuring community pharmacy’s voice is heard in all local meetings about the NHS reforms. The Forum will continue to be important in strengthening the bond between national and local representation of pharmacy owners for the benefit of the sector.”

Parliamentary Drop-In

The meeting was concluded by a Parliamentary drop-in event, with LPC Chairs joined by MPs.

The Chairs, supported by members of the Community Pharmacy England team, highlighted the value that pharmacies bring to local communities, and the need to protect them against the significant challenges that pharmacy teams are experiencing.

The event was part of ongoing work to ensure MPs understand the critical contribution of community pharmacies to the NHS and to press the Government to deliver on its commitment to developing a sustainable funding and operational model for the sector.

Zoe Long, Director of Communications, Corporate and Public Affairs at Community Pharmacy England, said:

“It was fantastic to have LPCs together in Westminster and for MPs to hear directly from them about the health needs of their local communities and how local pharmacies are serving them now, and could do so in the future if they have the right support and investment.

We’re grateful to all the MPs who attended the event and welcome their continued support in urging the Government to deliver a sustainable funding and operational model for community pharmacy.”