Pharmacies are set to change their opening hours and withdraw key services after voting for collective action. Under the plan fewer pharmacies could be open in the evenings and at weekends from the New Year.
The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) said its members have been forced into an untenable position by a decade of underfunding. The trade association warned that pharmacists don't want to reduce services but will be left with no option if there is not an adequate response from the Government on funding in the coming weeks.
Some 3,339 independent community pharmacies in England, Wales and Northern Ireland took part in the unprecedented ballot, a turnout of 64%. Of those who voted, 97.8% said they would serve notice on opening hours above the minimum required by their contract.
The NPA indicated that while pharmacies are required to open for 40 hours a week minimum, many currently exceed this, thereby putting strain on their operations due to insufficient funding.
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