The Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) is calling for a further expansion of the healthy living pharmacy (HLP) programme in order to reduce premature mortality rates. The call follows RSPH research that reveals the public are comfortable receiving a range of services and advice from their local community pharmacy team.

Over three-quarters of the 2,100 UK adults surveyed said they were happy to receive a routine health check at a community pharmacy, involving blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose measurements, while the same percentage feel content receiving information on other healthcare services.

In addition to more HLPs, the RSPH is also calling for greater visibility of pharmacies within communities, inclusion of pharmacy representatives on Health and Wellbeing Boards and more research into the value and cost-effectiveness of pharmacy-based health initiatives