Now pharmacists will be voted on a ‘work-by-the-books’ move amid a funding dispute, just weeks after GPs

Pharmacists will be consulted on possible ‘work-follow-the-rules’ measures amid a funding dispute.

Actions may result in pharmacies having shorter opening hours or offering fewer services.

This comes after industry leaders indicated that the delivery of safe care is at risk due to a drop in funding.

The National Pharmacy Association (NPA), which represents community pharmacies, has called for a £1.3 billion increase in funding in England.

A survey was conducted among members asking whether they would like to reduce their services unless more money is made available for pharmacies.

The NPA is not a trade union, so the outcome of the vote is advisory.

However, the association said the action could begin before Christmas if a majority of voters vote in favour.

Pharmacists put to vote on possible ‘work-follow-the-rules’ action amid dispute over funding (shares)

Possible measures include, for example, that pharmacies are only allowed to open for the minimum number of hours, that free delivery of medicines is stopped and that certain services are cancelled, such as emergency contraception or support for quitting smoking.

Paul Rees, chief executive of the NPA, said: ‘It is heartbreaking to have to take this step, but pharmacies have been pushed to the brink of collapse for a decade due to austerity measures, with their funding reduced by 40%.

‘Pharmacies are routinely having to dispense NHS medicines at a loss. Over the past decade, 1,500 pharmacies have had to close, while others have had to reduce their opening hours to make ends meet.

‘That is unacceptable and has a major impact on patients.

Possible measures could include limiting pharmacies to a minimum number of hours, withdrawing free delivery of medicines and possibly sending a notification for certain services (stock).

‘We are very keen to work with Wes Streeting and the new government to harness the enormous potential of pharmacies to deliver the better community health we all want.

‘But despite the large settlements for junior doctors and machinists since the elections, there is – as yet – no sign of an end to the chronic cutbacks that are literally driving dedicated healthcare professionals in pharmacies out of the market.’

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: ‘This Government has inherited a broken NHS, where pharmacies have been neglected for years.

‘Pharmacies have a key role to play in future-proofing healthcare as we shift the focus of the NHS from hospitals to the community.

‘We will make better use of the skills of pharmacists, including by accelerating the rollout of independent prescribing in order to improve access to care.’