With the consequences of community pharmacy funding cuts in England starting to be felt, The National Pharmacy Association has set up a ‘Funding SOS’ email hotline address (fundingsos@npa.co.uk), to allow independent pharmacy members to share their concerns.

The depth of the cut is now becoming apparent to some contractors, the NPA says, and has invited its members to get in touch if they have concerns about current cash flow or medium term viability of the pharmacy business.

Chairman Ian Strachan said: “Will all members who feel they need support right now please contact the NPA and let's see what can be done? You mustn't feel you’re alone. Contact the NPA if you have any concerns at all about current cash flow or the future viability of your pharmacy business.”

Legal challenges against the cuts to community pharmacy will begin at The Royal Courts of Justice in London on Tuesday 21 March. 

The sector should have ‘realistic’ expectations about the outcome of this process, Mr Strachan commented.

“Even if we win our case and the decision to impose cuts is quashed, it can’t be assumed that the cuts will not be brought back to the table at a later date. Tight public finances are a fact of life, and pharmacy cannot avoid the seismic forces playing out across the health and social care system and in society more generally.

“However, that doesn’t mean the sector is powerless in the face of change,” he said.