The Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, has been warned there are likely to be a large number of permanent pharmacy closures in England unless the government intervenes. The warning comes in a letter from community pharmacy national representative bodies, together with England’s largest pharmacy chains

In the joint letter the chief executives of AIM, CCA, NPA and PSNC, along with Boots, Lloydspharmacy, Well and Rowlands Pharmacy, say they are pleased to see Government is now recognising the key role that community pharmacy could have in alleviating the strain on other NHS services.

“Pharmacies can free up millions of GP appointments and provide easy access to urgent care and healthcare advice through a fully-funded ‘Pharmacy First’ service. We also see a wider role for pharmacy in supporting medicines optimisation, prevention, tackling health inequalities, managing long-term conditions, and more,” the letter says.

But Mr Sunak is warned that although the sector is ready to support the NHS, this will not be possible unless pharmacy is properly funded.

“This vision for the future is not achievable unless government can help us to resolve the funding, workforce and capacity crises that are engulfing community pharmacy businesses of all sizes. The 30 per cent funding cuts over the last seven years have pushed us to our limit operationally. Many pharmacy owners believe their businesses will not survive 2023, and the constraints are already degrading patient services,” the letter says.

“This is a critical time for community pharmacy and it’s important that the Prime Minister knows that,” said PSNC chief executive Janet Morrison, adding: “It’s good news that Government sees community pharmacy as part of the solution to NHS challenges.” She said she was pleased that some PSNC Members attended the Prime Minister’s Recovery Forum on January 7 at which this was discussed.