Pharmacies in England are struggling to provide critical NHS and public health services due to financial and operational pressures, according to research. A poll of over 2,100 pharmacy owners found that over 96% had stopped offering locally commissioned services, such as emergency contraception and smoking cessation products, in the past year. Additionally, 81% had to stop extended opening hours and 90% had to stop employing locum pharmacists due to high costs. Some pharmacies have even had to end free delivery of prescription medicines.
Data shows that nearly 1,000 pharmacies have closed since 2017, disproportionately affecting poorer areas. The Pharmacy First scheme, launched in January, allows patients in England to receive treatment for common conditions from a chemist without seeing a GP.
Community Pharmacy England’s CEO, Janet Morrison, expressed concern over the impact of funding reductions on pharmacies, leading to service cutbacks. Nick Kaye, chair of the National Pharmacy Association, emphasized the pressure pharmacies face and the need for government investment to improve services and reduce GP waiting times.
The Department of Health and Social Care acknowledged the undervaluation of pharmacies in the NHS and highlighted plans to shift focus to community care, expanding the role of pharmacies with services like independent prescribing. A new deal for community pharmacies is needed to properly fund their work and improve NHS services.
Source
Photo credit www.theguardian.com
