The MP for Runcorn and Helsby headed to Numark’s site on the Whitehouse Industrial Estate, where she met staff and was given an insight into operations at its distribution facilities and head office.
Numark is the UK’s largest community pharmacy membership organisation with over 6,000 members
During her visit, the Reform MP also met with chairman Harry McQuillan and senior members of the Numark team to discuss key issues affecting the industry.
She also visited Medipac, Numark’s in-house manufacturing and packing operation, to see how essential medicines and healthcare products are prepared for community pharmacies across the UK.
A spokeswoman for Numark said the tour provided an opportunity for ‘detailed discussions’ on the challenges and opportunities facing the sector, including the role of pharmaceutical wholesalers, along with other issues.
Mr McQuillan welcomed the visit, noting what he said was ‘the importance of constructive dialogue’ between policy makers and the pharmacy sector to ensure patients continue to receive accessible, high-quality care.
He said, “We’d like to thank Sarah Pochin MP for taking the time to meet with the team and for her interest in supporting the long-term sustainability of community pharmacy.”
He added: “It was important for us to meet in our capacity locally as an employer and business operating in this area, and to discuss the wider healthcare needs of the constituency and beyond.”