Chris Grayling has visited an Epsom pharmacy and said he is "keen" to encourage the government to ever expand the role of pharmacies role in healthcare.

The Epsom & Ewell MP visited Horton Pharmacy to learn about their work, on Friday, May 11.

"We are the first port of call for healthcare for many people and our regular patients and the wider community really rely on us," said Sharn, who owns Horton Pharmacy.

"We provide much more than a great value dispensing service – we give people information, advice and interventions without the need to wait for an appointment.

"Many of the services we offer, such as home delivery, are a real help to some of the most vulnerable people locally.”

Many pharmacies, such as Horton, now have private consultation rooms and can provide NHS Health Checks - monitoring health indicators such as blood pressure.

Chris Grayling said: “As the pressure on GP practices grows, more people are turning to pharmacies when they are feeling unwell or need healthcare advice.

"Innovative approaches to health care at Horton Pharmacy show how community pharmacies are well-placed to take on other roles, such as supporting people with long-term conditions like asthma and diabetes.

"I am keen to try to ensure the Government works to develop community pharmacy services that meet the needs of both patients and health and social care services.”