'15-hour shifts...how long can this pharmacy crisis go on?'

EXHAUSTED pharmacists have laid bare the human cost of a crisis gripping England's chemists, fuelled by heavy workloads, problems sourcing medicines and insufficient funding.

- BY HANNA GEISSLER Health Editor

A major survey of more than 4,300 pharmacy owners and 1,600 workers found 95% were experiencing increased pressure linked to staff shortages.

Eight in 10 said waiting times for patients had risen, a third had stopped providing nonessential services and almost one in five cut opening hours.

Respondents described working long hours, low morale and a heavy toll on their mental and physical health.

One, who runs a pharmacy with their family, said they usually get just three hours of sleep before starting another 15-hour shift. They added: “We know colleagues who have suffered strokes and heart attacks from this workload. How long can this go on?”

Another said: “Owning a pharmacy has created personal health issues. I'm selling after 30 years.”