Responding to the launch of the document Health Inequalities: Progress and Next Steps, by Health Secretary Alan Johnson on 9 June, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain (RPSGB) said that pharmacists are ideally placed to play a significant role in helping to reduce health inequalities across Britain.

David Pruce, RPSGB Director of Practice and Quality Improvement, said:

"The RPSGB will consider carefully the detail of this report. Pharmacists are key partners in the healthcare team and have the potential to make an even greater contribution to improving the health and well being of the public, particularly in disadvantaged communities.

"Pharmacies are located in the places where people live work and shop and provide convenient access to expert healthcare services often when GP surgeries are closed. Pharmacy contributes to all areas of public health including health protection, health and social care quality, and health improvement.

"Any plans to tackle health inequalities should maximise the contribution that pharmacists and their teams can make in improving health and reducing health inequalities particularly in the priority areas of smoking, alcohol, obesity and unwanted pregnancy.

"The location of community pharmacies provides extended opportunities for community involvement and leadership via school and workplace initiatives."

Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain