A government white paper has been hailed for having the potential to impact favourably on the pharmacy sector.

Earlier this month, the coalition unveiled plans to transfer funding from primary care trusts (PCTs) and strategic authorities to frontline medical staff in an apparent bid to reduce bureaucracy.

According to Andy Murdock, pharmacy director at Lloydspharmacy, this could lead to pharmacy having a much broader role in the delivery of public health.

"Pharmacy is well placed to bridge secondary and primary care," he commented.

Mr Murdock said pharmacies can "optimise medicines management" and help to deliver healthcare in a "cost-effective manner".

He added that pharmacy has been an under-utilised resource "for too long".

As a result, he believes the approach outlined in the white paper could lead to a more productive partnership with GPs, local authorities and primary care colleagues.

This comes after health secretary Andrew Lansley said he is confident that if patients are empowered to get involved in decisions relating to their care, the NHS could become a "truly world-class" public service.

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