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Somerset MPs Call for Increased Funding to Support Rural Pharmacies

Thursday, June 11, 2026 pharmacies somerset ruralhealth nhs funding healthcare community government workforce access

Somerset’s MPs have united in urging the government to increase funding for pharmacies in rural communities. As part of its 10-year NHS plan, the Labour government encourages patients to seek treatment for minor conditions at pharmacies, aiming to ease the strain on GPs, urgent care centres, and hospital A&E departments. While the Department of Health and Social Care has allocated additional funds to support this shift, three Liberal Democrat MPs from Somerset warn that current funding falls short of what rural pharmacies require to remain operational.