Mr Quince, who is MP for Colchester, visited the branch in Nayland Road on Friday (January 20), Rowlands said this week (January 23).

Rowlands was “delighted” to host the visit, which saw the minister hail “the importance of pharmacy”, the multiple said.

Mr Quince and the pharmacy team “discussed the important role they play in providing NHS care, support and advice” and helping the local community “live healthier lives and manage long-term conditions”, it added.

The minister said the Rowlands pharmacy team at Nayland Road “are doing a fantastic job”, adding that he “[admires] their dedication”.

“Think pharmacy first”

Mr Quince said that community pharmacy was “playing an increasingly important role in ensuring people in Colchester have convenient walk-in access to the healthcare support and advice they need”.

“Pharmacies are not simply places to collect prescriptions, they provide a wide range of services and are the third pillar of access to primary care alongside GPs and A&E,” he added.

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“I would urge people to think pharmacy first if they have a minor ailment, need advice on taking their medication, want to stop smoking or want to check their blood pressure,” he continued.

And he said that the government is “looking at how the role of pharmacy could be extended in the years ahead” at a “national level”.

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Regional manager at Rowlands Pharmacy Laura French said that the multiple takes “great pride in supporting our local community with its healthcare needs”.

“People come to us for flu vaccinations, weight management, stop smoking service, blood pressure checks, new medication service and CPCS,” she added.

Ms French added that Rowlands is “strongly encouraging” local people to get their flu jab.