The party pledged to “allocate a greater proportion” of NHS funding to community services “and build interdisciplinary, patient-focused services across primary care, mental health and social care”, as part of its manifesto published today (November 21).

The party also promised “better access to primary care services” for patients living in “deprived and remote communities”.

“To support our transition to community healthcare services, we will expand GP training places to provide resources for 27 million more appointments each year and ensure community pharmacy is supported,” the Labour party said.

When asked by C+D for clarification on its plans for the sector, a Labour spokesperson said the party “has always been a vocal supporter of community pharmacy”.

“A Labour government would want to work with community pharmacies” to make sure they are given “the security they need”, they added.

“The healthcare challenges we face today all depend on a health service investing more in prevention and helping people manage their healthcare, and community pharmacy is absolutely vital to that.”

Speaking exclusively to C+D in September, the shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth said he is aware of the pressures many pharmacies are under and is prepared to give them the support they need.

End to prescription charges

The Labour party’s manifesto reiterated its intention to abolish prescription fees in England – which it first announced at its annual conference in September – and its pledge to bring health services “in-house”.

The party also wants to introduce a state-owned generics drug company if it wins the general election.

Liberal Democrats: Make more use of pharmacists

In its manifesto published yesterday (November 20), the Liberal Democrat party pledged to “make greater, appropriate use of nurses, physiotherapists and pharmacists” to help end the GP shortfall by 2025.

It also wants to introduce more “phone or video appointments, where clinically suitable”.

C+D has asked the Liberal Democrat party for more details on its community pharmacy policies.

The Conservative party is yet to publish its full manifesto, but has pledged to recruit 6,000 more pharmacists, nurses and physiotherapists to work in GP surgeries by 2025 if it wins the general election.