Community pharmacies forced to cut services as pressures intensify

An overwhelming 96% of pharmacy owners reported that they had stopped providing locally commissioned services in the past 12 months

Community pharmacies are being forced to halt certain NHS and public health services due to escalating financial and operational pressures, a recent survey by Community Pharmacy England (CPE) has revealed.

In the survey conducted ahead of the June Committee Meeting, an overwhelming 96 per cent of pharmacy owners reported having stopped delivering locally commissioned services over the past twelve months.

Additionally, nearly one-third of the pharmacies surveyed indicated they had discontinued providing some Advanced services.

The survey also revealed that pharmacy opening hours are being reduced, with 81 per cent of respondents stating they had to stop offering extended hours.

In 90 per cent of the cases, pharmacy owners had to cease employing locum pharmacists, likely due to cost constraints.

Furthermore, over 20 per cent of the more than 2,100 pharmacies surveyed reported having to discontinue the free delivery of prescription medicines to patients.

With the GP's collective action now limiting appointments, pharmacies are likely to experience an increased workload, further exacerbating their already challenging situation

As part of the protest, many practices are ‘working-to-rule’, only undertaking tasks that are included in their NHS contract.

Janet Morrison, CEO of Community Pharmacy England, said: “With GP work-to-rule action now underway, many people are turning to their local pharmacies for help, as happened in the pandemic.

“But with pharmacies already under considerable strain, any additional workload will only exacerbate the situation.”

Pharmacy owners were urged to maintain the safety of their services, prioritising the safe supply of medicines, during the industrial action.

The British Medical Association (BMA) is calling for a new contract that is "fit for purpose," one that provides the investment and workforce needed to reset general practice and provide patients with family doctors.

Janet affirmed that they will continue to fight for “fair funding” for community pharmacies across England, using a range of tactics including political and public influencing.

“Working to secure national media coverage is just one part of our plans to raise awareness of the immense pressures on pharmacies and the difficult decisions they are being forced to make,” she added.

Commenting on the CPE poll results, Dr Nick Thayer, Head of Policy at the Company Chemists’ Association (CCA) said: “This is concerning but unsurprising."