C+D readers remain cautious about the future as the dust settles on the UK’s decision to leave the EU, according to results of a straw poll.

When asked how Brexit is affecting their future planning, more than half (52%) of respondents to a C+D online poll said they were "waiting to see what happens" when formal negotiations over the UK’s exit from the EU begin.

Of the 123 respondents to the poll – which ran on the C+D website between July 11-19 – 12% have already started to make changes in their pharmacies, (see graph), while the remaining 36% do not expect Brexit to impact their pharmacy at all.

When questioned before the referendum vote, 40% of C+D readers said they would be voting to stay, compared to 39% who would opt to leave. 

"Now is the time for a robust plan"

The reality of this, and the long-term ramifications of Brexit are yet to be understood, Numark managing director John D’Arcy told C+D last week, but now is the time to act, he said. “We need to face up to life outside of the EU and put a robust plan of action in place," he added.

The National Pharmacy Association is hoping that the current confusion and uncertainty over Brexit might cause the Department of Health to “reconsider” its plans to cut pharmacy funding in England by £170 million in October.