NEWS STORY : Pharmacies Across UK Cutting Hours Amid Funding Crisis

STORY

A wave of pharmacy closures and reduced operating hours is sweeping across the UK, leaving communities with limited access to vital healthcare services. Independent pharmacies are taking drastic measures in response to a decade of under-funding, with many forced to cut hours or shut down altogether.

The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) reports that nearly all independent pharmacies in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland voted in favour of reducing hours beyond the minimum required by their contracts. This means fewer pharmacies will be open during evenings and weekends, impacting access to essential medications and healthcare advice.

“Pharmacies are the cornerstone of community healthcare,” says NPA chairman Nick Kaye, “But years of underfunding have pushed us to the brink. We don’t want to reduce services, but we’re left with no choice.”

The funding crisis has also led to cuts in locally commissioned services, such as emergency contraception, addiction support, and stop-smoking programs. This reduction in services further jeopardises public health and places additional strain on an already overburdened NHS.

The NPA warns that without adequate government intervention, the situation will continue to deteriorate, leaving communities with reduced access to vital healthcare services. The impact will be felt most acutely in rural areas and under-served communities, where pharmacies often serve as the primary healthcare provider. The Government is facing mounting pressure to address the funding crisis and ensure the sustainability of community pharmacies. The future of local healthcare hangs in the balance as pharmacies struggle to keep their doors open.