The coming years will see the community pharmacy sector occupy a unique position in the provision of healthcare services, the Department of Health's primary and community services strategy director has claimed.

According to PJ Online, Jill Matthews told the most recent conference held by wholesale firm AAH that the government could look to increase the clinical responsibilities of community pharmacists in the near future.

She also suggested that pharmacists' current skills are not being sufficiently utilised and claimed the industry could benefit from impending reductions in public spending by increasing the flexibility of its workers.

Her sentiments were echoed by NHS Employers chief negotiator Felicity Cox, who urged community pharmacies to demonstrate their capabilities to health service bosses and convince commissioners of their suitability for greater responsibility.

Earlier this month, health secretary Andrew Lansley unveiled controversial plans to redirect commissioning funding from primary care trusts and strategic authorities into the hands of general practitioners.

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