In a historic decision, pharmacy owners across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland have voted to reduce opening hours and halt home delivery services in response to funding cuts imposed by the government. This unprecedented move underlines the frustration and concern that pharmacy professionals feel regarding the sustainability of their services, and it marks the first time pharmacists have opted for direct action in their history. The National Pharmacy Association (NPA), which conducted the vote, revealed that a staggering 99% of the respondents expressed their willingness to limit their services if funding issues are not addressed satisfactorily.
The financial concerns stem from what the NPA describes as a “financial hole” within the sector, with the association calling for an annual funding increase of £1.7 billion to avoid further detrimental impacts on community pharmacies. The NPA represents approximately 6,500 community pharmacies in the UK, which account for nearly half of all establishments in the sector. A notable turnout of 64% from 3,339 independent pharmacies participated in the ballot, highlighting the prevalent discontent.
Currently, pharmacy funding is particularly strained following the government’s recent Budget, which introduced increased costs such as hikes in National Insurance contributions and the National Living Wage. Despite these financial pressures, the government has yet to provide adequate support for pharmacy operations, a point that the NPA has criticized as unequal compared to other realms of the National Health Service (NHS). This has heightened concern, especially given that around 700 pharmacies have closed in England over the past two years, equating to an alarming rate of seven closures per week.
As of late, pharmacists have reported feeling demoralized and concerned about their futures, with many facing an uncertain landscape involving increasing workloads coupled with significant funding constraints. The core funding designated for pharmacies in England has plummeted by 40% since the 2015-16 fiscal year, adjusted for inflation. If the current funding situation does not improve, the NPA warns that it may advise pharmacies to further withdraw services beginning in the new year.
Possible changes brought on by potential service reductions could be numerous and severe. For example, pharmacies may restrict themselves to only operating for 40 hours a week, cutting back on evenings and weekends. They may also cease free home deliveries and halt emergency health services that include contraception and smoking cessation support. Additionally, pharmacies might refuse to cooperate with certain data requests and may stop providing higher levels of medication management, particularly for those not covered under disability initiatives.
NPA chairman Nick Kaye expressed the enormity of the situation, stating that the vote reflects deep anger among pharmacy owners over the continual financial strain that has left many contemplating permanently closing their doors. He noted that these changes are not trivial, but rather a critical response to a decade of persistent underfunding that has substantial implications for patient care. Fellow pharmacy owner Ashley Cohen echoed these sentiments, highlighting his frustrations about having to manage financial stress rather than focusing on preventative health measures as intended.
The Pharmacy First service, launched recently in January, aimed to enhance community pharmacy offerings to include treatments for common ailments. While the NPA does not plan to withdraw from the service, a reduction in operating hours and funding would still significantly affect the availability of these services. The NPA has urged the government for immediate discussions about the funding crisis, emphasizing the risks posed to patient safety and vulnerable populations should community pharmacies be forced to limit or eliminate services.
In Scotland, the pharmacy funding issue remains distinct from those in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, as Scottish pharmacies operate under a separate system. Dr. Leyla Hannbeck, CEO of the Independent Pharmacies Association, highlighted the mounting crisis within the community pharmacy sector, attributing it to a staggering £1.7 billion funding gap exacerbated by rising operational costs. She emphasized that patient care must remain at the forefront and insisted that immediate funding increases are vital to avert further closures.
The Department of Health and Social Care has acknowledged the integral role community pharmacies play in healthcare but pointed to the need for substantial reforms to adequately support the sector, which has experienced prolonged neglect. With the pharmacy landscape in turmoil, the call for urgent action is clear, as stakeholders in the health community advocate for sustainable solutions to preserve the vital services community pharmacies provide.
