Pharmacies are scaling back their weekend operating hours, with some choosing to close entirely due to financial challenges. A recent analysis by the National Pharmacy Association (NPA) revealed that approximately one in six pharmacies in England, totaling around 1,600 establishments, have reduced their weekend hours. Among these, eight percent have opted to shut down completely on Saturdays and Sundays within the past four years.
The NPA attributes this trend to insufficient NHS funding, leading to patients having to travel long distances to obtain prescriptions or resort to emergency services. Some individuals are reportedly driving nearly an hour to reach the nearest pharmacy. NPA Chair Olivier Picard expressed concern, stating that the pharmacy network in England is under strain due to significant budget cuts, negatively impacting millions of patients, especially those in rural areas.
The Mirror has launched a campaign to preserve local pharmacies and prevent closures that are adding strain to overburdened GPs. Data from the NPA indicates that 16,000 hours of pharmacy service on weekends have been lost over the past four years, with only 17% of pharmacies currently open on Sundays.
Regions like Kent, Birmingham, and Lancashire have experienced a substantial decline in weekend operating hours, with Cornwall witnessing a notable 34% decrease in Sunday availability since 2022. The NPA highlights instances where patients in Cornwall are forced to travel long distances to access pharmacy services on Sundays.
Despite a funding increase in 2025, a survey by the NPA revealed that 65% of pharmacies in England operated at a loss. Over 1,400 pharmacies have closed since 2016, representing one in ten closures and marking the lowest pharmacy network levels in two decades.
In response to financial pressures, pharmacists are adjusting their weekend hours to remain operational. The NPA emphasizes the need for sustained funding support and contract reforms between pharmacies and the NHS to stabilize the pharmacy network.
The Government is currently finalizing funding plans for pharmacies in the upcoming financial year. The NPA calls for a consistent funding boost to ensure the sustainability of pharmacies and address the strained relationship with the NHS.
Olivier Picard emphasized the critical role of pharmacists in the healthcare system and urged for substantial investment to expand NHS services. A spokesperson from the Department of Health and Social Care highlighted the government’s commitment to supporting community pharmacies and enhancing patient care as part of the long-term health plan.
