Pushing for a better deal for pharmacies

Once again, the NPA is leading calls for a better deal for pharmacies. Our analysis has been shared across the media today showing that up to 7million people in England have seen their local pharmacy shut since 2017.

I spoke to Daily Mirror about how this situation will only worsen, and patients will face more and more difficulties getting the care they need. Here’s my fellow NPA board member, Ashley Cohen Cohen and Sukhi Basra Basra on BBC Breakfast this week, to discuss The GPhC’s decision to introduce tougher regulations on the sale of online weight loss medication.

I'd also like to thank NPA members Ian Bolxham in Cornwall and Sian Retallick in Devon for taking the time to talk to the BBC about the significant pressures pharmacies in the areas are under.

It’s 5 years since the first case of Covid 19 was detected in the UK. The amazing work of pharmacy teams during the pandemic and ever since should be clear in the minds of DHSC, NHS England and CPE as they settle down to talks about the 2024/25 and 2025/26 funding contractual framework.

Following many forced closures, there are now fewer community pharmacies than there were during the pandemic – making the NHS overall less resilient to future public health crises. We cannot allow this vital healthcare network continue to crumble. That’s why, with contract discussions underway, it remains the NPA’s position that we will have no other option than to recommend to our members collective action, should the outcome fail our 5 tests for a fair settlement.

Here’s a reminder of our five tests:

Community Pharmacy England’s latest ‘Pressures Survey’ is underway and we encourage you to take part, as this builds useful evidence for us all to use when making the case to government and the NHS for improved funding.

Earlier last week, we made the news again promoting best practice around weight loss medication. That’s our strategy – to exert maximum pressure for a better deal and show how community pharmacies are doing a fabulous job – on covid, on flu, on weight loss – at the forefront of responsible healthcare.

We’ll never stop shouting about your amazing work, and why you need proper support.