Community pharmacies in England are on the verge of staging a protest over funding as negotiations with the government on a new NHS contract have hit a standstill. The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) is advising around 6,000 pharmacies to adopt a “working to rule” approach unless a resolution is reached in the next two weeks. This includes limiting opening hours to 40 per week and potentially scaling back services such as home delivery of medicines, addiction support, and emergency contraception.
Pharmacies heavily rely on their NHS contracts for about 90% of their revenue, making the lack of a funding agreement a major source of anxiety for many. Recent increases in National Insurance, the National Living Wage, and business rates have only added to the financial pressure. The NPA reports that 30 pharmacies have already closed this year due to funding cuts that have been ongoing for the past decade. In response to the situation, over 3,000 pharmacy owners in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland voted in favor of taking action back in November.
Nick Kaye, chair of the NPA, emphasized the tough position pharmacies are in, stating that they have no choice but to push for temporary reductions in access rather than risking complete collapse. The uncertainty surrounding the contract negotiations has had a devastating impact on the industry, with little communication from government ministers exacerbating the problem. Despite the government’s assertion that a resolution is in progress, pharmacy owners remain concerned about the future sustainability of their businesses.
The Department of Health and Social Care acknowledges the essential role pharmacies play in the community as the NHS shifts its focus away from hospitals. However, the pre-emptive action taken by the NPA is criticized for potentially causing unnecessary disruptions for patients. Healthwatch England is urging the government to expedite negotiations with pharmacies to prevent further closures and disruptions in healthcare services. Benedict Knox from Healthwatch England highlights the disproportionate impact such disruptions have on older individuals, particularly those living in rural areas where access to pharmacies may be more challenging. The overall goal is to ensure that patients can continue to receive vital healthcare services without interruptions
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