Which? How to beat the pharmacy crisis and get your medication
May 6, 2025
UK pharmacies are facing a crisis due to severe funding cuts, staff shortages, and manufacturing issues. These challenges lead to limited access to medications and advice for patients. The discussion includes the Pharmacy First initiative and practical solutions for navigating these obstacles. Listeners learn how to verify pharmacy credibility and discover alternative options for prescriptions, including utilizing the NHS app for repeat orders. This conversation sheds light on an urgent issue affecting public health.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Severe Funding Cuts in Pharmacies
- Pharmacy funding in the UK has dropped 40% in real terms over a decade, impacting service availability.
- Nearly 800 pharmacies closed permanently and many operate at a loss due to financial strain.
Patient Struggles in Rural Areas
- Witch member Rachel from Norfolk has struggled for a year to get her ADHD medication regularly.
- She now must travel 25 minutes to a larger pharmacy to fill her prescriptions.
Pharmacy Cash Flow Challenges
- Pharmacies pay upfront for medicine but NHS reimbursement often doesn't cover costs, causing losses.
- This has led pharmacies to order medicine only on demand, increasing patient wait times.