Words by Ade Williams, MBE, Superintendent Pharmacist, Bedminster Pharmacy
Stephen Kinnock MP, the Minister of State Department of Health and Social Care responsible for Community Pharmacy, chose the first visit since taking office to visit the multi-award-winning Bedminster Pharmacy Team in south Bristol.
He saw and heard first-hand the array of services and relationships that have placed the pharmacy at the centre of accessible neighbourhood population health and wellbeing while also engaging to understand better the challenges facing the sector and the opportunities to help drive forward the Government’s agenda of renewing the NHS especially now the public consultation to shape this is ongoing.
While at the pharmacy, he shared his journey into public service and the values driving his work to make a positive difference. He also chatted with members of the public who were accessing care in the pharmacy, including local resident Jackie Smith.
He also took the opportunity to have his annual winter flu vaccination administered in the pharmacy. A reminder, if you still haven’t had your jabs: Flu and COVID do not respect high office or status.
Stephen Kinnock MP, The Minister of State Department of Health and Social Care, said, “I was delighted to visit Bedminster Pharmacy today and see firsthand their fantastic work. I heard about the challenges that pharmacies and pharmacists face and saw how integral they are to their community.
“We inherited a broken NHS, where pharmacies have been neglected for years. As we shift care out of the hospital and into the community, we will support community pharmacies and pharmacists who will be crucial to making a healthcare system fit for the future.”
Ade Williams, MBE, Superintendent Pharmacist, Bedminster Pharmacy, said: “Receiving the Minister provided the opportunity to show firsthand how Community Pharmacies like ours, even in the face of ongoing challenges, continue to make a difference in the lives of our patients.
“It was good to discuss firsthand the expansive potential to help drive forward the Government’s ambitious plans for NHS renewal. I am especially grateful he took the time to talk with our pharmacy team and patients. Their respective dedication to our team and the trust patients invest in us continues to define the values and success of the NHS and our responsibility as its most accessible outpost.
“Bedminster Pharmacy has won the most UK awards (35), a collection that grew with another four awards in 2024, for championing excellent, innovative, accessible healthcare by working with our community. Thank you for trusting us and putting your care in our hands.”