C+D has launched a campaign to secure continued funding for low volume pharmacies once a national scheme ends this month.

Only 16 of the 73 pharmacies who receive the additional NHS England funding – designed to support 'essential' small businesses at least 1km from another pharmacy – have been assured by their NHS England area team that they will continue to be financially supported once the current scheme ends on March 31, health minister Jane Ellison MP said on Monday (March 3).

Pharmacies on the scheme – the Essential Small Pharmacies Local Pharmaceutical Services (ESPLPS) scheme – have told C+D they would struggle to survive without this extra funding.

To support these businesses, C+D has drafted a letter for pharmacists and patients to send to their MP, urging them to persuade their local NHS England area team to quickly reach a funding decision for affected pharmacies in their constituency.

C+D has also set up a dedicated campaign page, which includes case studies of pharmacies who are still awaiting a funding decision. This will be updated throughout the month.

Download a copy of the letter here.