'Closely examine the worrying mix of challenges community pharmacies face', CCA urges Darzi Review

The CCA figures show that at the current growth rate, it would take 88 years to meet the NHS Long-Term Workforce Plan’s goals for the pharmacy workforce

A call to action has been issued by the Company Chemists’ Association (CCA) in its submission to the Darzi Review, highlighting the critical need for recognition and revitalization of the community pharmacy sector.

The CCA warns that chronic underfunding and a flawed Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework (CPCF) have resulted in a reduction of over 1,200 pharmacies since 2015.

This reduction, coupled with increasing workforce pressures, is exacerbating health inequalities, particularly in deprived communities.

The CCA’s submission stresses that the government must address these longstanding funding issues to fully unlock the potential of community pharmacies in addressing the nation's health challenges.

The report argues that while initiatives like Pharmacy First have been positive, they only scratch the surface of the sector’s capabilities.

A key focus of the submission is the need for Independent Prescribing to alleviate the burden on other NHS services, especially general practice.

The CCA contends that with proper NHS commissioning and support, Independent Prescribing could significantly reduce pressure on GPs and enhance patient care.

However, the current NHS England plans are seen as insufficient to capitalize on this opportunity.

The CCA's submission outlines several critical concerns including static core funding, inadequate retained margins and workforce shortages.

According to CCA, despite an 8 per cent increase in dispensing volumes since 2015/16, core funding for pharmacies has remained unchanged.

This stagnation has contributed to the closure of nearly 500 pharmacies in the past year alone, with the impact most severe in economically disadvantaged areas.

The current funding model has failed to keep pace with rising costs and inflation, leading to medicine shortages and increased prices for taxpayers.

Moreover, the most deprived communities are disproportionately affected by reduced pharmaceutical services, further widening health inequalities.

As per the statistical figures, the CCA has highlighted that at the current growth rate, it would take 88 years to meet the NHS Long-Term Workforce Plan’s goals for the pharmacy workforce.

Dr. Nick Thayer, Head of Policy at the CCA, emphasised the urgent need for reform: “Community pharmacy is operating under severe constraints due to historic underfunding and workforce challenges.

"Despite these pressures, pharmacies are expected to manage increasing NHS prescriptions and services.

"It is imperative that the Darzi Review thoroughly examines these issues.”

Dr. Thayer added that with appropriate funding and a revamped CPCF, community pharmacies could help free up 42 million GP appointments annually through services like Independent Prescribing, cardiovascular disease screening, and vaccinations.

He urged the government to consider the CCA’s evidence and act decisively to harness the full potential of the community pharmacy sector.