Morning after pill services at risk as pharmacies close and make cuts

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Women’s health experts have raised concerns over reports more pharmacies will shut or stop providing emergency contraception.

This comes after research by Community Pharmacy England showed 96% of pharmacy owners said they had to stop providing locally commissioned services in the past 12 months.

It also follows recent analysis by the National Pharmacy Association that indicates pharmacies in England could fall below 10,000 for the first time in 20 years.

Janet Morrison, Chief Executive of Community Pharmacy England, said:

“This data chimes with all our recent analysis of the desperate situation that community pharmacies find themselves in, and this is yet another clear warning sign to the Government and the NHS that things cannot continue like this.

The intensifying pressures on community pharmacies and the worsening trend of pharmacy closures are deeply worrying, and without urgent action the impact will be catastrophic for patients and local communities.

Patients who depend on essential services, particularly the most vulnerable who are in need of vital medications and treatment, could face even greater challenges as access to care becomes increasingly limited.

To avoid healthcare services becoming even more strained the Government and NHS must put a stop to pharmacy closures by investing in the sector. Community pharmacies desperately need sustainable core funding and ongoing support. Without this, patients and communities across England will continue to feel the impact as pharmacies struggle to stay open.”

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Morning after pill services at risk as pharmacies close and make cuts | iNews