Strengthening Sunderland’s Pharmacy Partnership

A recent Sunderland City Council visit to a community pharmacy highlighted a shared aim to raise awareness of pharmacy services and strengthen links with public health partners. Discussion focused on the role pharmacies can play in prevention, early support and signposting, while improving public understanding of existing services.

The visit to Millions Pharmacy on Chester Road covered a number of important issues.

Communication was a key theme. Participants agreed that Sunderland residents need clearer, more consistent information about services such as smoking cessation, contraception, vaccinations, blood pressure checks and general health advice. Existing channels like the Links for Life website, newsletters, community campaigns, library screens and public health events could help deliver these messages more effectively.

Access and inclusion were also highlighted, especially in relation to the University and the area’s changing population. With many international students arriving each year, targeted information on how the local healthcare system works and what pharmacies can offer could help new residents access support more confidently.

The visit also identified opportunities to strengthen prevention and service delivery, including smoking cessation, sexual health, contraception, vaccination uptake and wider public health priorities. Participants also noted the potential of independent prescribing and stronger links with neighbourhood health work and local partners.

The visit reinforced the value of community pharmacy as an accessible and trusted part of the local health system. The priority now is to turn these themes into practical next steps through better communication, partnership working and targeted outreach. Community Pharmacy Durham and Sunderland, in partnership with Sunderland City Council public health colleagues, will work hard to make this a reality.