Our response to calls for reduced pharmacy services

The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) is advising its 6,000 member pharmacies to reduce opening hours and services from 1 April 2025, if the Government and pharmacists cannot agree on a new financial settlement. 

Responding, Benedict Knox, a spokesperson for Healthwatch England, said: 

"Many patients have seen their local pharmacist close or experienced temporary disruptions due to staff shortages. This issue especially impacts older people and is particularly acute in rural areas, where people often must travel further to visit their pharmacist.

"The National Pharmacy Association's news will not affect every service, as not every community pharmacy is a member of the NPA, and it is up to each provider to decide if they will reduce services. 

"However, it will concern people to hear that they could face further disruptions using their local pharmacist. If a community pharmacy does decide to cut its hours or services, it's vital that it tells people in advance and advises them about where else they can go.

"We also urge the Government to conclude the negotiations with Community Pharmacy England as soon as possible to help assure the sector it will get help with the funding and staff challenges that exist and cause real access issues for patients."