UK Pharmacies to Vote on Cutting Hours Over Funding Crisis

Pharmacists in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland may reduce services and hours due to significant funding cuts.

The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) is balloting its members on a 'work-to-rule' action due to a 40% funding cut since 2015-16.
Potential actions include reducing opening hours to the minimum required 40 hours per week and halting services like free medicine deliveries and emergency contraception.
Since 2016, 1,500 community pharmacies have closed due to financial strain, with remaining pharmacies struggling to stay afloat.
The NPA is calling for a £1.3 billion funding increase to address the financial challenges facing pharmacies.
The Department of Health acknowledges the importance of pharmacies in community healthcare and aims to improve funding and support.