Pharmacies across England are scaling back their weekend operating hours, with some choosing to close entirely due to financial challenges. According to recent analysis by the National Pharmacy Association (NPA), approximately one in six pharmacies in England, totaling around 1,600 stores, have reduced their weekend hours. Over the past four years, 8% of pharmacies opted to shut down completely on Saturdays and Sundays.
The NPA attributes this trend to insufficient funding from the NHS, leading to patients having to travel long distances to obtain prescriptions or resort to emergency departments. Patients in some areas are reportedly driving nearly an hour to reach the nearest pharmacy. Olivier Picard, NPA chair, expressed concern over the strain on the pharmacy network, particularly affecting millions of patients, especially those in rural regions, who face challenges accessing essential services on weekends or outside regular hours.
The Mirror has launched a campaign to support local pharmacies and prevent further closures, which are adding pressure to already burdened general practitioners. The NPA’s findings reveal a significant loss of weekend pharmacy hours over the past four years, with only 17% remaining open on Sundays. Regions like Kent, Birmingham, and Lancashire have experienced considerable decreases in weekend availability, with Cornwall showing a 34% drop in Sunday opening hours compared to four years ago.
Despite a funding increase in 2025, a survey by the NPA indicated that 65% of pharmacies in England were operating at a loss. The organization reported over 1,400 closures since 2016, reducing the pharmacy network to its lowest level in two decades. The NPA emphasized that pharmacists are adjusting weekend hours to avoid complete closure amid longstanding financial pressures.
As the government finalizes its funding proposals for the upcoming financial year, the NPA is advocating for sustainable funding to stabilize the pharmacy network and overhaul the existing contract between pharmacies and the NHS. Olivier Picard highlighted the challenges faced by pharmacists and the urgent need for substantial investment to expand NHS services and relieve pressure on the healthcare system.
Responding to the situation, a Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson emphasized the critical role of community pharmacies in providing NHS services and highlighted significant funding increases in recent years. The government is actively engaging with Community Pharmacy England to ensure continued support for pharmacists, aiming to enhance patient care within the framework of the 10 Year Health Plan.