North West England Pharmacies Face Closures Amid Systemic Challenges

A pharmacist has stated that over 80 pharmacies in England’s north-west have ceased operations in the last two years, attributing these closures to a “crumbling” and “not financially viable” system. Data from the National Pharmacy Association (NPA), acquired exclusively by BBC North West Tonight, indicated that 84 pharmacies in the region had closed, with Liverpool experiencing the nation’s highest proportional rate of closures. John Davey, a pharmacy owner in the city since 1986, commented that procuring medication has become unprecedentedly challenging and costly. He remarked: “The house is on fire. It’s just ridiculous.” The Department of Health and Social Care stated that the government had “inherited a system that has been neglected for too long.” It further noted that pharmacies hold “a vital role” in the transition of care focus from hospitals to community settings. Mr. Davey asserted that the NHS was failing to sufficiently compensate pharmacies and that governmental intervention was necessary to prevent further closures. He explained: “We’re just getting busier dispensing the medicines which other pharmacies couldn’t dispense and that’s why they’ve gone bust.” He added that “Things are just crumbling, the morale is just crippling.” Last month, pharmacy proprietors across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland voted to support industrial action, advocating for an annual funding boost of £1.7bn. The NPA reported that core government funding for pharmacies in England has decreased by 40% since 2015-16, when adjusted for inflation. Mr. Davey indicated that the existing system was severely affecting his patients, stating: “We’ve been looking after these people for generations.” He elaborated: “We have a legal requirement to get drugs where we can get them but there are times now when the drugs are just not available.” He mentioned having to “really reconsider” the continuation of home delivery services, a provision his pharmacy chain has consistently provided. He further stated: “We are really scratching and we’re looking at the figures every day just to try and see what we can do, what we can cut.” A statement from the Department of Health and Social Care affirmed: “Community pharmacy has a vital role to play as we move the focus of care from hospital to the community under the fundamental reforms in our 10 Year Health Plan.” The statement continued: “Unfortunately, we inherited a system that has been neglected for too long and is no longer supporting the pharmacists we need to deliver for patients at a local level.” For additional content, listeners can access BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story submissions are accepted at northwest.newsonline@bbc.co.uk and via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content of external websites. Details on their approach to external linking are available.