Watchdog warns of elderly health risks amid pharmacy closures
Hundreds of pharmacy closures impact elderly and rural patients in England
A watchdog has raised alarms about the health risks for the elderly due to the closure of hundreds of pharmacies. Healthwatch England, through Freedom of Information requests, discovered 436 permanent pharmacy closures last year across England.
These closures significantly impact patients, especially those in rural areas and older individuals. Pharmacy leaders warn that “pharmacy deserts” could increase GP workloads and force patients to travel further for care. Healthwatch reported 13,863 temporary closures in 2023, primarily due to staff shortages.
The Government has asked pharmacies to help ease GP workloads. Healthwatch England’s chief executive, Louise Ansari, stated that temporary closures create widespread challenges. Older people and rural communities are most affected. Staff shortages, the main cause of these closures, threaten the Pharmacy First initiative, hindering access to advice, care, and medications.
This has been going on for years under the Tories (I posted about it a lot), its not new.
Its due to shortage of pharmacists – due to cutbacks in University places. The same Universities that Tories starved of funding by cutting foreign student visas
https://t.co/ZCn3e9a8sc
— Bryan Smith #RejoinEU (@BpsmithUk) September 26, 2024
Ansari highlighted that patient frustration often arises from the lack of advance notice about closures. Better communication and alternative options could improve patient experience. However, addressing staff shortages and access inequalities in the long term is crucial. A national evaluation of pharmacy funding and workforce distribution is needed to enhance service planning.
The Pharmacy First service encourages seeking care from local pharmacists for common ailments. Patients have contacted Healthwatch, citing difficulties in accessing essential medicines. Temporary closures are more frequent in rural areas, with the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board most affected. Older populations are more likely to experience temporary closures.
The report suggests older individuals, who are the primary users of pharmacy services, face the most significant barriers to access. Debbie Riddell from Paignton, Devon, shared her struggle in collecting prescriptions for thyroid and blood pressure issues. She noted increased demand and long wait times at her local pharmacy, which remains open amid widespread closures.
Paul Rees, chief executive of the National Pharmacy Association, warned that rising closures risk creating pharmacy deserts, forcing people to travel further for vital services. Community pharmacies serve as the NHS’s front door. Losing access to them will increase GP workloads and pressure the NHS system. Rees called for Government investment in community pharmacy to reduce GP waiting times and ensure GPs can focus on more serious conditions.
What Other Media Are Saying
- The Company Chemists’ Association reports a worrying trend of pharmacy closures, mainly in deprived areas, exacerbating health inequalities and underscoring the need for sustainable funding and workforce support. (Read more)
- The Telegraph reports that many UK local pharmacies are closing due to financial pressures from NHS funding cuts and increased drug costs, leaving patient care at risk. (Read more)
- Healthcare IT Today discusses the impact of pharmacy closures on community health, emphasizing the need for digital health services and local, community-centric approaches to healthcare, particularly in trust-building and self-testing initiatives. (Read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why are so many pharmacies closing down?
Staff shortages are the main driver behind the permanent and temporary closures.
How many pharmacies closed permanently last year?
There were 436 permanent pharmacy closures in England last year.
Which areas are most affected by pharmacy closures?
Rural areas and regions like the North East and North Cumbria are most affected.
What is the impact of pharmacy closures on older people?
Closures impact older people significantly, making it harder for them to access care and medications.
What can be done to improve the situation with pharmacy closures?
Addressing staff shortages and better planning of pharmacy services can help improve the situation.
