Funding cuts – your help is really needed NOW

Today the PSNC has announced that it has rejected the Department of Health’s proposed community pharmacy funding package for 2016/17.
The Government’s proposals would mean:

• Reduced funding from December 2016 to March 2017 of 12% on current levels
• Reduced funding for 2017/18 of 4%

This would undoubtedly mean that pharmacies are forced to reduce staffing numbers and cut back on services. The PSNC also believe that these proposals are rooted in thei Government’s long term aim to close pharmacies.
In rejecting the offer, the Department will now have to propose a revised package, or impose their proposed funding changes on us. You can read more information on this here.

What can you do?

Now, more than ever, it is really important that you get involved. The best way to do this is by contacting your MP.

The NPA have produced a very easy ‘email your MP’ tool which allows you to easily and quickly send an email to your local MP. There is a pre-written letter which emphasises that cuts to pharmacy services are an inevitable consequence of funding cuts and asks MPs to liaise with the Department of Health on the issue.
Please take five minutes to use this free service, the more noise we make as a profession the better.

We will continue to update you on this issue.