Pharmacies across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland have made an unprecedented decision to cut opening hours and cease free home deliveries. This move follows a ballot by the National Pharmacy Association (NPA), which revealed a near-unanimous call for action to address a significant funding shortfall. The association, representing over 6,500 community pharmacies—around half the UK total—is now demanding an annual funding increase of £1.7 billion to plug what it describes as a “financial hole.”
A Sector in Crisis
The vote saw 3,339 independent community pharmacies participate, a turnout of 64%. Of those, 99% indicated they were prepared to scale back services unless funding levels improved. The NPA highlights stark figures: 700 pharmacies in England have closed in the past two years—equivalent to seven closures every week—due to unsustainable workloads and falling budgets. Adjusted for inflation, core government funding for pharmacies in England has declined by 40% since 2015-16.
Nick Kaye, chairman of the NPA, described the situation as the most desperate he has witnessed, saying, “Pharmacy owners are not a radical bunch. But after a decade of underfunding and record closures, something simply has got to give.”
What Could Change?
If the funding crisis is not addressed, pharmacies may reduce or stop several services, including:
- Opening beyond 40 hours per week, including evenings and weekends.
- Free home deliveries of medicines.
- Emergency contraception, substance misuse, and smoking support services.
- Supplying free monitored dose systems, except where covered by the Equality Act.
These reductions could significantly impact vulnerable communities, raising concerns about access to essential healthcare services.
Industry Voices Demand Action
Pharmacy owner Ashley Cohen underscored the limitations of the sector, noting that 90% of pharmacy funding comes from a static NHS contract. “We are unable to put our prices up like traditional businesses, yet our costs—staffing, rents—have all risen,” he explained.
Dr Leyla Hannbeck, CEO of the Independent Pharmacies Association, warned of escalating pressures. “The community pharmacy sector is in an escalating crisis with a £1.7 billion shortfall in funding,” she said, adding that additional costs, such as the rise in employers’ National Insurance, have worsened the situation.
Government Response
The Department of Health and Social Care acknowledged the role of pharmacies in community healthcare. A spokesperson stated: “Community pharmacy has a vital role to play as we move the focus of care from hospital to community under the reforms in our 10-Year Health Plan.” However, the NPA insists that urgent funding talks are required to ensure patient safety and prevent further closures.
Meanwhile, the NHS affirmed its commitment to working with pharmacies and government partners to safeguard high-quality care for local communities.
With the current crisis unfolding, pharmacies warn that without immediate intervention, changes could come into effect as early as the new year, affecting millions of patients.
The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has provided further details on the funding crisis and its impact on services, which can be explored in their official statement.
For more updates on healthcare funding and the latest community news, visit EyeOnLondon.
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