Why UK Pharmacies Are Struggling to Stay Open

Community pharmacies in the UK are facing major financial challenges due to rising costs of medicines and stagnant NHS funding. This situation is putting pressure on pharmacists, impacting patients, and leading to pharmacy closures.

Why Are Pharmacies Struggling?

Rising Costs of Medicines

• Medicine costs have increased by up to 60% in recent years.
• Pharmacies must buy medicines upfront and wait up to two months for NHS reimbursement.
• Winter adds extra pressure as pharmacies stock up on cold and flu medicines.

Stagnant NHS Funding

• NHS funding for pharmacies has remained the same despite rising costs.
• A five-year funding deal leaves no room for adjustments or flexibility.

A Broken System

• The current NHS system is described as "rigid" and not reflective of real-world costs.
• Pharmacies are operating on tight margins, struggling to cover their expenses.

The Impact on Pharmacies and Patients

Pharmacy Closures

• 700 pharmacies in England have closed in the past two years.
• Many smaller, community-focused pharmacies are most affected.

Reduced Services

• Some pharmacies are cutting back on:
  • Opening hours.
  • Home delivery services.

Patients Turned Away

• Pharmacists are rejecting patients due to the high cost of stocking certain medicines, such as blood pressure medication.
• Staff are feeling the emotional toll of not being able to help patients in need.

Voices from the Field

Sherry Samrai, Woodside Pharmacy (Telford)

• "We’re working with very tight margins... we are turning away a lot of patients."
• Community pharmacies can’t benefit from bulk discounts like larger chains.

Nigel Dugmore, Donnington Pharmacy (Telford)

• "The amount the NHS pays for medicines is often less than the cost to buy them."
• Criticized the lack of flexibility in the funding agreement.

Amo Sohal, Kitsons Pharmacy (Worcester)

• "The funding position is very troubling… if pharmacies close, they’re gone for good."
• Described the current funding system as being like "a hamster on a treadmill."

What the National Pharmacy Association (NPA) Says

• The NPA represents 6,500 community pharmacies across the UK.
• They are calling for a £1.7bn annual funding increase.
• Without immediate action, more pharmacies could close, and services may be withdrawn.

Government and NHS Response

• The government has acknowledged the issues but claims to have "inherited a neglected system."
• A spokesperson said the NHS is working with pharmacies to "find a way forward."

Why This Matters

• Pharmacy closures leave communities with fewer options for essential healthcare.
• Patients, especially vulnerable ones, may face longer delays and reduced access to medications.

Conclusion

The crisis facing UK pharmacies highlights the urgent need for reform in NHS funding. Without changes, patients and pharmacies alike will continue to suffer. Policymakers must act quickly to protect these vital community services.

Sources

• National Pharmacy Association (NPA)
• Statements from Sherry Samrai, Nigel Dugmore, and Amo Sohal.