Next year will mark the end of the current three year agreement between the founding associations represented by Pharmacy Voice – the NPA, the Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies (AIMp) and the Company Chemists’ Association (CCA).

The NPA has exclusively represented independent pharmacies since 2013 and merged with the Independent Pharmacy Federation last year.

NPA chairman Ian Strachan said this afternoon (December 13) that the split from Pharmacy Voice is intended to create a “simpler structure” for community pharmacy representation "that everyone inside and outside the sector can understand".

Mr Strachan stressed that the independent sector must be able to “make its own voice heard” and said England’s pharmacy leadership structure must be “fit for purpose”.

Pharmacy Voice chief executive Rob Darracott said he is “disappointed” at the decision, but stressed that over the next year Pharmacy Voice’s team will "continue to work on behalf of the whole community pharmacy sector in England".

“We have an exciting and important programme of work planned for 2017, which will help get community pharmacy back on the front foot and demonstrate the sector’s continued commitment to innovation and partnership,” Mr Darracott added.

PSNC chief executive Sue Sharpe said it is “understandable” for community pharmacy organisations to look at whether they should make changes so they can best represent their members' interests in the future. 

"PSNC is also in the process of reviewing its own structures," she added.

The full reasons for the NPA's decision can be read here.