Pharmacy minister gets flu jab at Bristol independent

Pharmacy minister and Labour MP for Aberafan Maesteg Stephen Kinnock received his annual winter flu vaccination on a visit to Bedminster Pharmacy in Bristol yesterday (24 October).

He said he was 'delighted' to visit the pharmacy 'and see first-hand the fantastic work they do'.

And he said he had 'heard about the challenges that pharmacies and pharmacists face', and seen 'how integral they are to their community'.

'We inherited a broken NHS, where pharmacies have been neglected for years. As we shift care out of the hospital and into the community, we will support community pharmacies and pharmacists who will be crucial to making a healthcare system fit for the future,' the Mr Kinnock said.

Ade Williams, superintendent pharmacist at Bedminster Pharmacy, said it had been 'good to discuss first-hand our expansive potential to help drive forward the ambitious plans for NHS renewal' during the minister's visit.

'I am especially grateful he took the time to talk with our pharmacy team and patients,' Mr Williams added.

'The dedication of our team and the trust patients invest in us continues to define the values and success of the NHS and our responsibility in community pharmacy as its most accessible outpost.'

The the minister of state for care responded to a challenge this week on how many and what proportion of community pharmacies have dispensed medications at a loss.