Suffolk LPC has been in contact with Mr Hancock – who was appointed secretary of state for health and social care on Monday (July 9) –  “on several previous occasions”, but he has not yet been able to visit a pharmacy “due to his extensive ministerial duties as secretary of state for digital, culture, media and sport”, the LPC told C+D.

“We are hoping with this change in role he will be able to meet with us in the near future,” Suffolk LPC chief executive Tania Farrow added.

The LPC has already offered to meet with the new health secretary “to discuss the huge potential that community pharmacy has for supporting health and care priorities”, Ms Farrow said.

“This included an open invitation to visit a pharmacy in his West Suffolk constituency.”