Sign Our Petition – Stop Pharmacy Closures

Since Lloyds pharmacy went into liquidation earlier this year the news has highlighted the pressure community pharmacies are under. There has been 700 pharmacy closures since 2021 and Boots, the largest UK pharmacy chain plans to close 300 pharmacies across its UK network.  

This is all happening in the midst of a national health campaign to relieve waiting times at doctor’s surgeries with the introduction of the Pharmacy First service. This service provides care for seven common health conditions from your pharmacy rather than your doctor.

It’s popular.  According to the Company Chemist’s Association (CCA) In the first two months of the scheme, 90,000 consultations took place at pharmacies who were CAA members.

Why are pharmacy closures happening?

But what’s causing so many pharmacy closures, and can the damage be reversed? In a recent article by the National Pharmacy Association, they say that poor funding and rising costs are hitting pharmacies hard.

Paul Rees, NPA Chief Executive said declining government funding and the increased costs of dispensing medicines had created a “perfect storm” for community pharmacies.

Pharmacies are also dealing with staff shortages which is the cause of many temporary closures throughout the UK. Rural areas tend to be affected the most.

What needs to be done about pharmacy closures?

What’s needed? Pharmacies must be recognised for providing community care and services that reduce the strain on the NHS.  They need investment to continue with the care they provide and to expand further with secondary care services that benefit the community and help reduce the demands on GPs.

What services do people want?

A Healthwatch report carried out in 2023 spoke to 1,650 adults in England. The findings of the report found that 72% of people had used a community pharmacy. Customers valued the accessibility and speed of a pharmacy service.

The people interviewed also commented on the frustrations of medicine shortages and temporary pharmacy closures. The Pharmacy First Service was generally well-accepted although some people said they would still prefer to talk to their GP.

What services does VSM Pharmacy provide?

Here at VSM Pharmacy, we provide essential services which include dispensing and disposal of medicines. We also provide NHS vaccinations such as the flu vaccine. Our private services include our travel clinic, skin cryotherapy, allergy testing and ear wax removal.

We are also part of the First Service scheme which means we can treat the following health conditions:

• Shingles
• Infected insect bite
• Sore throat
• Impetigo
• Sinusitis
• Uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women
• Acute Otis media

We also stock a wide range of products including soaps, shampoos, perfumes, aftershaves and nappies as well as other healthcare products.

Our resources help our local community by providing a friendly convenient service where you can get help and advice immediately instead of waiting days for a doctor’s appointment.     

What is the Save Our Pharmacies campaign all about?

The campaign wants to set out a number of recommendations to the government that will help stop closures, provide the care and resources to reduce the strain on the NHS and provide better community service.

The recommendations include immediate funding and the reform of the NHS Community Pharmacy practice. The campaign also outlines actions to help the NHS this winter. The actions include with an expansion of the vaccine service, the growth of Pharmacy First and the creation of new approaches to deal with medicine shortages.  

What can customers do to help?

The Save Our Pharmacies campaign is currently asking for support from pharmacies and customers. You can help by signing the NPA Petition. This is asking the government to provide immediate funding to safeguard NHS pharmacy services and stop pharmacy closures. You’ll find the petition at VSM Pharmacy.  

Will VSM Pharmacy close?

No. We want to assure our valued customers that we have no plans to close the pharmacy, and we hope to be a part of the community for many years to come.