Dr Leyla Hannbeck, chief executive of the IPA, warned that the sector is “hurtling towards a disaster” which could “completely undermine any attempt to fix the NHS and shift care into communities”
Pharmacies could be forced to cut their opening hours or close completely if they are not shielded from the tax hikes and increased national living wage announced in the Budget, leaders from the sector have warned.
The measures sparked concern to some in the healthcare sector, including pharmacists, GPs, care homes and hospices. Now, analysis carried out by Community Pharmacy England claims the NI increase could cost an estimated £50 million, while the increase in the national living wage could cost between £115 million and £152 million.
“The brutal reality is that local pharmacies have to pay their bills,” she added. “Without the mitigating action we call for, these extra costs will be catastrophic for pharmacies. We need urgent actions before these measures undermine community pharmacies’ ability to help with the NHS 10-year plan.”
Organisations representing care homes and hospices also voiced concerns about the sectors’ ability to plug the funding gap soon after Ms Reeves’ announcement. Earlier this month, members of the NPA voted in favour of collective action in a row over funding.
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