Pharmacy Voice has joined forces with the National Community Hearing Association (NCHA) and the Optical Confederation in calling for the NHS to make better use of community pharmacy teams, audiologists and opticians.

The three organisations believe that by making greater use of the professional skills, services and capacity that these healthcare professionals have, more people would receive hearing and sight tests and have easier access to treatment for minor ailments, advice on healthy living and medicines.

They will be taking this message to the 2015 Labour and Conservative party conferences, highlighting that these community services are in some circumstances more convenient and beneficial for patients than general practice.

Claire Ward, Chair of Pharmacy Voice, said in a statement: “Community pharmacy has a vital role to play in ensuring a sustainable NHS for the future. It is the most accessible healthcare location and able to reach some of the most vulnerable in society. Qualified healthcare professionals with at least five years of training are available without the need for an appointment for expert advice on medicine and healthcare advice. However, there is great potential for community pharmacy to do more.

“At the party conferences we will be sharing examples of locally commissioned services that are delivering; whether by supporting healthy living, treating minor ailments or helping those with long term conditions. We will be calling on politicians of all parties to enable community pharmacy to do more to help tackle major public health issues such as obesity, smoking and alcohol and reduce the burden on GPs and A&E."