Gompels Pharmacy took a stand in the National Day of Action to highlight the challenges facing community pharmacies.
The pharmacy in the town centre blacked out its windows, and staff dressed in black to symbolise the ‘dark times’ the community pharmacy network is enduring.
The initiative was chosen as an alternative to strike action, which owner Patrick Gompels explained would be “extremely detrimental and dangerous for our patients, who we work so hard to support.”
Gompels, who won the national Pharmacy Business of the Year award last year for their outstanding service and commitment to patient care, were joined by thousands of other pharmacies across the UK for the National Day of Action on Thursday 20th June, aiming to #saveourpharmacies.
Community pharmacies are experiencing severe financial difficulties due to significant government cuts in NHS pharmacy funding and rising operational costs, said Patrick.
“Since 2015, funding for pharmacies in England has been reduced by 40% in real terms, resulting in the permanent closure of over 1,400 pharmacies,” he said.
“The majority of independent community pharmacies are small to medium-sized family businesses, making them particularly vulnerable to these financial pressures.
“New analysis by the National Pharmacy Association reveals that the number of pharmacy closures this year is nearly 50% higher than at the same point in 2023.
“Between January and April alone, 177 pharmacies have shut down, equating to 10 local pharmacies closing every week so far this year. These closures are disproportionately impacting the most deprived communities.”
Patrick and other pharmacy leaders are calling for the government to provide a new deal that addresses the growing funding gap, stabilises the network, and halts further closures. Key demands include long-term sustainable funding, the resolving of medicine supply chain and reimbursement problems and removing barriers to progress such as outdated legislation and inadequate IT infrastructure.
“Patients are encouraged to support the #saveourpharmacies campaign by sharing it on social media, writing to their local MP, and signing the petition,” said Patrick.
“Community involvement is crucial to ensuring that pharmacies can continue to provide essential services.
“We’re urging the community and the government to take immediate steps to safeguard the future of local pharmacies.”
For more information, ask the pharmacy team at 1 Bank Street, Melksham or follow the #saveourpharmacies campaign on social media.
