Independent pharmacies across England are facing a potential reduction in operating hours due to ongoing funding disputes with the National Health Service (NHS).

The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has made the historic decision to recommend that its 6,000 members consider collective action unless the government provides ‘new and sufficient’ funding to offset escalating operational costs.

Approximately 90% of funding for an average pharmacy's services is sourced from the NHS, covering essential functions such as dispensing medications and delivering vaccinations.

However, the NPA has indicated that its members have not yet received any confirmation regarding funding for the financial years 2024-25 and 2025-26. Alongside unresolved funding, rising costs including increased employers’ national insurance rates, national living wage adjustments, and business rates hikes scheduled for April have raised significant concerns about the sustainability of pharmacy services, with the NPA warning that these financial pressures could compromise patient safety.

Since 2017, around 1,300 pharmacies across the UK have ceased operations, further highlighting the precarious state of community pharmacies.

In a recent ballot conducted by the NPA, 3,300 independent pharmacies participated with a turnout of 63%.

Should individual pharmacies decide to reduce their services, they are required to provide the NHS with five weeks’ notice.

Potential adjustments following the NPA's guidance may include reduced evening and weekend service hours, the elimination of free home deliveries, and a withdrawal of services such as emergency contraception, smoking cessation, and addiction support.

Nick Kaye, chair of the NPA, stated that the recommendation to consider cutting service hours is intended to safeguard the long-term viability of pharmacies.

He emphasized that temporarily reducing access is preferable to a complete collapse of pharmacies, which would impact millions reliant on their services.

Kaye expressed hope for a government financial settlement by April 1 to address rising operational costs and restore funding levels that have diminished over the past decade.

Dr. Leyla Hannbeck, chief executive of the Independent Pharmacies Association, reported that many independent pharmacies have already begun limiting their operating hours.

Hannbeck noted that closures are expected to accelerate unless government officials recognize the adverse effects on patient care and the consequent increase in workload for other areas of the NHS.

Liberal Democrat health and social care spokesperson Helen Morgan expressed concern regarding the potential for disrupted access to essential prescriptions due to funding uncertainties affecting pharmacies.

Morgan emphasized the necessity for immediate governmental engagement to avert further adverse consequences for patients.

In response to the NPA's actions, a spokesperson from the Department of Health and Social Care reiterated the essential role of community pharmacies within the NHS's evolving focus on delivering care outside of hospital settings.

The spokesperson indicated ongoing discussions with pharmacy representatives regarding future funding arrangements aimed at ensuring pharmacies can continue to serve their local communities effectively.

However, they criticized the NPA's preemptive measures as likely to disrupt patient access unnecessarily, urging reconsideration of the decision.