25. June 2026

The changing pharmacy landscape

The latest NHSBSA data shows a further small fall in community-based pharmacies, now at 9,933 which is 2,016 down from its peak in 2015.

There is also a further shift to small independent ownership with large groups (100+) now down by over 2000 since January 2021.

The recent settlement for the CPCF, whilst welcomed, will not plug the funding gap for a sustainable NHS business. 60% of the uplift is being fed into dispensing as retained margin which now represents 36% of dispensing funding and no transparency as to whether attained.

There has also been a 3% increase in prescription numbers in the last year along with increases in overhead costs which will more than swallow up of the 10.3% increase in the contract sum. All this will drive the wrong behaviours and focus and further prejudice the independent sector.

Community pharmacies need a new model, a hybrid one which will be less dependent on low or no profit NHS service funding for a sustainable future.

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Modern Community Pharmacy Practice