NHS England and NHS Improvement has confirmed that unlike during Easter this year, it won’t issue a national or regional direction for community pharmacies to open on Bank Holidays over Christmas and New Year.
NHSE&I has indicated that it made the decision in order to allow all those working in primary care some additional and much needed time to recharge.
However, the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee many some community pharmacies will be open during the festive season and over the government’s Christmas bubble arrangements, as this year Boxing Day is a working day (Saturday) for the purposes of community pharmacy opening hours.
In addition, NHSE&I regional teams may have agreed or directed bank holiday opening to cover estimated local demand for pharmacy services as well as some other pharmacies which will be open as part of normal working arrangements.
