Pharmacies in crisis

Battling firms unite in plea to Streeting as costs rocket

- BY DAVID WILLIAMSON Chief Political Commentator

TWO THIRDS of pharmacies are in danger of “imminent closure”, with owners “remortgaging their homes or raiding pension pots” to stay open.

Thousands of pharmacies across England have joined forces to tell Health Secretary Wes Streeting they may have to cut services within weeks unless he takes urgent action.

Already struggling pharmacies face “a cliff-edge of cost rises” from April, including higher business rates and an increased minimum wage.

The letter, from 3,200 independents, describes the “desperate situation we face at the front line of the NHS”.

They warn Mr Streeting: “Our pharmacies are in high streets, in villages, in communities, and collectively we see millions of patients - your voters - every day.”