Terminating pharmacy blood pressure checks would be ‘terribly shortsighted’- says NPA chair

The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has lashed out at the British Medical Association (BMA) after GP leaders voted in favour of the motion to
terminate pharmacy blood pressure checks with immediate effect and redirect the funds into pharmacy dispensing fees.

Commenting on the BMA’s vote, NPA chair Nick Kaye said: “It benefits no-one, least of all patients, for one set of health care professionals to talk down the
services provided by another.”

He emphasised the importance of investment and collaboration across the healthcare system, particularly between general practice and community pharmacies, to
provide the best possible care for patients.

Furthermore, Kaye stressed the value of pharmacy-based NHS clinical services in improving access to care, while also providing more convenient care for patients
and relieving pressure on other parts of primary care.

“It would be terribly shortsighted to row back on preventative services such as hypertension case finding, which will be cost-saving as well as lifesaving in the
long term,” he warned.

He noted that the NHS will only meet the growing needs and expectations of the ageing population by making the most of capacity and skills across the whole system.