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The Independent Pharmacists Association has written to the pharmacy minister, Stephen Kinnock, sharing the “deeply troubling” findings from its latest survey and requesting an urgent meeting.

The survey, which represents the view of 2,500 member pharmacies, shows that:

• 92 per cent rate the current funding deal as poor or very poor
• 81 per cent feel pessimistic about the future of the sector
• 50 per cent have considered permanent closure in the past year.

“For too long, community pharmacies have been treated not as the front door of the NHS as it should be, but as the doormat,” says IPA chief executive Leyla Hannbeck. She cites rising costs, diminishing margines and frozen fees as issues pharmacies face, “all while government expects pharmacies to take on greater roles in the NHS 10-Year Plan”.

Pharmacies face deep rooted prejudice from NHS management and lack a level playing field with other healthcare professionals, alleges the IPA.

A financial analysis of 1,500 pharmacy branches undertaken by the Association revealed a 798 per cent drop in operating profit – moving into an overall loss of £4.6 million.

“The message from our members is clear: without urgent funding reform this autumn, we will not be able to fund and provide the quality service that patients deserve,” says Hannbeck. “We’ve requested an urgent meeting with the minister to find solutions. The time to act is now – before it’s too late for pharmacies across the country.”