Pharmacy Closures: Weekend Access Cuts Leave Patients Facing Long Trips

Access to essential medicines is becoming increasingly difficult for many in England, as a growing number of pharmacies reduce their weekend opening hours or close altogether. The trend, driven by financial pressures, is forcing patients to travel further afield – sometimes to hospitals – to obtain prescriptions, emergency contraception, or advice for minor health concerns. This disruption disproportionately affects those in rural areas, shift workers, and individuals without access to reliable transportation.

The Shrinking Pharmacy Network

Since 2022, one in six pharmacies across England has scaled back its weekend hours, with some opting to close entirely, according to the National Pharmacy Association (NPA). This reduction equates to a loss of over 20% of overall weekend opening hours. The impact is particularly acute in regions like Devon, Cornwall, and the Lake District, but is also being felt in urban centers such as Manchester and Leeds. For example, St Ives in Cornwall has seen its pharmacy coverage dwindle from three pharmacies, one of which previously offered weekend service, to a single pharmacy with no weekend availability, requiring residents to travel to Hayle or Penzance for assistance. Similarly, residents of Windermere in Cumbria now face a 10-mile drive – a 25-minute car journey or 45 minutes via public transport – to reach a pharmacy open on Sundays. Approximately 1,550 pharmacies in England have closed permanently since 2017, a consequence of what the NPA describes as government underfunding.

The financial strain stems from a 40% real-terms reduction in NHS funding for pharmacy services since 2016, covering prescription dispensing, vaccinations, and other vital services. This financial squeeze is making it increasingly difficult for pharmacies to maintain their previous levels of service.

Impact on Patient Care and Access

The consequences of reduced pharmacy access extend beyond mere inconvenience. Patient groups highlight the challenges faced by vulnerable populations, including disabled individuals, shift workers, and those without personal transportation. These individuals may be forced to seek help from already-overburdened A&E departments or urgent treatment centers for issues that could be readily addressed by a pharmacist. As Rebecca Curtayne, head of public affairs at Healthwatch England, notes, “People rely on their local pharmacy for timely advice and essential medication, so cuts to weekend opening hours are very worrying…this creates real difficulties for those with limited mobility or no access to transport.”

The situation also threatens to undermine the government’s efforts to expand community-based care. The Patients Association argues that accessible local pharmacies are crucial for preventing unnecessary visits to GPs and hospitals, particularly for those with limited resources or mobility. Rachel Power, the organization’s chief executive, emphasizes that “When pharmacies close their doors or cut opening hours, patients pay the price…That is unacceptable. The government’s ambition to move care closer to home needs local pharmacy to make it work.”

The Pharmacy First Scheme: A Counterbalance?

While pharmacy access is diminishing in some areas, the NHS has introduced the Pharmacy First service, launched in January 2024, aiming to alleviate pressure on GPs and provide quicker access to care for certain conditions. This scheme allows patients to consult with a pharmacist for seven common ailments – sinusitis (age 12+), sore throat (age 5+), earache (age 1-17), infected insect bites (age 1+), impetigo (age 18+), shingles (age 18+), and uncomplicated urinary tract infections (women aged 16-64) – and potentially receive prescription-only treatment directly from the pharmacy. The Healthwatch website provides further details on the scheme’s scope and benefits.

However, the Pharmacy First scheme doesn’t address the core issue of reduced opening hours. Even if a pharmacy participates in the scheme, it’s of limited use if it’s closed when a patient needs it. The scheme focuses on a specific set of conditions and doesn’t cover all healthcare needs.

Funding and Future Outlook

The Department of Health and Social Care acknowledges the vital role of community pharmacies and states that it has provided them with the largest funding uplift of any part of the NHS over the past two years, totaling £3.1 billion. The department is currently consulting with Community Pharmacy England regarding funding arrangements for the coming year, with a commitment to ensuring pharmacists can provide more care closer to home as part of the broader 10-year health plan. You can find a pharmacy near you on the NHS website.

What’s Next for Pharmacy Services?

The future of pharmacy services in England remains uncertain. The ongoing funding discussions between the Department of Health and Social Care and Community Pharmacy England will be crucial in determining the level of support available to pharmacies and their ability to maintain opening hours and provide essential services. The effectiveness of the Pharmacy First scheme in diverting patients from GP appointments will also be a key factor. Continued monitoring of pharmacy closures and reduced opening hours, alongside patient feedback, will be essential to inform future policy decisions and ensure equitable access to healthcare for all.