Now pharmacists to be balloted over 'work-to-rule' action amid a row over funding just several weeks after GPs By Daily Mail Reporter Published: 00:10, 19 September 2024 | Updated: 00:10, 19 September 2024 e-mail View comments Pharmacists are to be balloted over potential 'work-to-rule' action amid a row over funding. Action could see pharmacies opening for shorter hours or potentially providing fewer services. It comes as industry leaders said the ability to provide safe care was being put at risk by a decline in funding.
The National Pharmacy Association (NPA), which represents community pharmacies, has called for a £1.3 billion funding increase in England. It has launched a ballot of members asking if they will reduce their service unless there is more money made available for pharmacies.
The NPA is not a trade union, so any outcome of the ballot would be advisory. But the association said that action could start before Christmas if the majority of those balloted vote in favour. Pharmacists are to be balloted over potential 'work-to-rule' action amid a row over funding (stock) Action could potentially include pharmacies opening only for the minimum number of hours, withdrawal the provision of free deliveries for medication and potentially serving notice on some services - such as some emergency contraception services or stop smoking support.
Paul Rees, chief executive of the NPA, said: 'It pains us to take this step but pharmacies are being pushed to the brink by a decade.