The CCA is undoubtedly saddened by yesterday’s announcement that around 190 LloydsPharmacy branches have been deemed commercially unviable and will either be closed or sold. This decision demonstrates the devastating impact that the Government’s significant reductions in pharmacy funding are having on CCA members and their staff, as with all pharmacy contractors.
Changes to reimbursement policy and retrospective clawbacks are placing additional strain on all pharmacy businesses, regardless of their size. Coupled with other significant financial effects on businesses, such as the apprenticeship levy, and business rate increases, these are challenging times and companies need to adapt their operating models to cope.
Community pharmacies provide vital access to the NHS and are an important part of any neighbourhood. Our members’ pharmacy teams play a significant role in supporting people with long-term conditions, offering a first port of call for common ailments and as a community health hub. The Department of Health and NHS England must consider very carefully how any future decisions around pharmacy funding will impact healthcare provision in every community.
Our members will do all that they can to support their staff and to ensure the vital services that their pharmacy teams provide to patients are not compromised.