NHS commissioning and funding

The new abnormal: vulnerable patients hit by pharmacy closures

The COVID-19 pandemic is putting a lot of additional pressure on an already underfunded community pharmacy sector, resulting in many pharmacies closing down.…

NHS England boss accuses Priadel manufacturer of using COVID-19 to ‘price-gouge’ British taxpayers

The chief executive of NHS England has accused the manufacturer of a first-line medication for bipolar disorder of “trying to jack the prices of a long-standing medicine”.…

Warm words are not enough for community pharmacy

Community pharmacies have worked tirelessly during the COVID-19 pandemic; it is time they were given additional funding to help them prepare for the next wave.…

No going back: how the pandemic is changing community pharmacy

The coronavirus pandemic has been a huge challenge, but it has revolutionised pharmacy practice in some positive ways. In the third of a three-part series, we ask community pharmacists which changes they want to retain.…

No going back: how the pandemic is changing hospital pharmacy

The COVID-19 pandemic has been a huge challenge, but it has revolutionised pharmacy practice in some positive ways. In the first of a three-part series, we ask hospital pharmacists which changes they want to retain.…

Jo Churchill: ‘I’m having forceful conversations about new funding for pharmacy’

The pharmacy minister on the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health support for pharmacists and what may be the enduring legacy for the sector.…

Thousands of pharmacies in deficit could close owing to COVID-19, trade body warns government

Thousands of pharmacies could close if they do not receive extra funding to cope with COVID-19 pressures as around half were already in deficit at the start of the pandemic, the National Pharmacy Association has told the government.…

Community pharmacies to receive an additional £50m loan to mitigate COVID-19 pressures

Community pharmacies will receive a further £50m of advance funding from the government to help with cash flow pressures during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee has announced.…

Isolated, but not alone: how pharmacies are supporting older patients during COVID-19

Community pharmacy is providing a vital connection to support older and clinically vulnerable patients during lockdown in the UK.…

Pharmacy must change as a result of COVID-19, or be left behind

The pharmacy sector must not underestimate the extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic will transform the NHS. …