Community chemists are receiving a £300 million cash boost to ensure they can continue to carry out essential services during the coronavirus outbreak.
The funding injection will support chemists across England, including those in Bolton West & Atherton, and will help them to provide critical services to protect community health during a period of unprecedented demand.
£200 million was paid on 1 April to pharmacy contractors, alongside their normal monthly payments from the NHS Business Services Authority, and a further £100 million will be allocated on 1 May 2020.
Welcoming this cash boost, Chris Green, the Member of Parliament for Bolton West & Atherton said: “Coronavirus has placed a significant amount of pressure on our community chemists, which is why I welcome that the Government is giving them a £300 million cash boost to help support the vital role they play.
“Whilst we all take further precautions to protect the most vulnerable, chemists will be on hand to deliver their important service for the local community. For those who are shielding or self-isolating, chemists can deliver prescriptions to their door, ensuring the most vulnerable are able to access the support they need without putting themselves at risk.
Minister for Health Jo Churchill said: “We hugely value the role of the community pharmacy, which is why we are backing them with £300 million of advanced funding to support them as we continue to assess the full additional impact of coronavirus on community pharmacy.
