Community Pharmacy England’s annual Pressures Survey 2026 paints a stark picture of the pressures facing community pharmacies.
Key findings include: almost all (99.7%) pharmacies report higher costs than last year, 75% of pharmacies are losing money, 76% of pharmacies report that patients are being impacted by the pressures facing their pharmacy business, 30% of pharmacies had already reduced opening hours during 2025, with a further 21% expected to have to reduce opening hours in 2026, 72% of pharmacy team members say patients are affected by medicine shortages every day, and 99% say NHS reimbursement does not cover medicine costs.
Janet Morrison, chief executive of Community Pharmacy England, said: "These stark results show us once again that pharmacies are not sustainable, and that the pressures on them are directly affecting patient access to medicines and care. It is very troubling that pharmacies are having to reduce opening hours and introduce new charges for things that have previously been free to patients – and this goes directly against Government's ambitions to shift more healthcare closer to home. And it is deeply concerning to see the depth of the financial crisis in the sector.
“Without further investment, pharmacy closures will continue and this will have very worrying consequences for patients and the public, impacting their access to medicines and advice directly. We know that closures often happen in areas where healthcare support is needed most, so this will worsen health inequalities. Further closures will also be devastating for wider local healthcare networks who will struggle to pick up the slack – pressure on GPs and hospitals will increase. And our local high streets, as well as local employment, will suffer.
“For all their sakes, and for the future of the NHS, community pharmacies need a sustainable future: meaning investment alongside a clear long-term plan for the sector."