In the wake of the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee's announcement that it has rejected the government's plans to slash pharmacy funding in England by 12% for December 2016 until March 2017, C+D rounds-up the immediate reactions from the sector.

“This is a bitter blow to community pharmacy” – Pharmacy Voice chair Claire Ward

“This is a bitter blow to community pharmacy after all our hard work to demonstrate the value we bring to the NHS, public health system and wider society." 

“The fact that the government currently appears to be unwilling to match our ambition – despite the evidence, its own warm words for the sector and the out-pouring of support from pharmacy users – is extremely disappointing.”   

“We are deeply disappointed…and alarmed” – Royal Pharmaceutical Society England board chair Sandra Gidley

“We are deeply disappointed that the government has not changed its approach to funding cuts this year and alarmed that further cuts have been announced for next financial year.

“The lack of news on the promised Pharmacy Integration Fund defies logic at a time when greater integration of primary care services to improve patient care is such a priority for the NHS. We call on the government to make good on its promise made in the original letter of December 2015 “to bring pharmacy even closer into the wider primary care and community health system.”

“We will not accept this betrayal meekly” – National Pharmacy Association chairman Ian Strachan

“The government’s approach is a betrayal of its promises and shows a complete disregard for the wellbeing of patients.

“This is a dangerous experiment…and a flat contradiction at the heart of the department’s position – asking pharmacies to develop new roles and services whilst stripping away the investment necessary to make it happen.

“We will not accept this meekly.”

“Arbitrary cuts” are “completely false economy” – Michael Dugher, Labour MP for Barnsley East

“For all their warm words on community pharmacies…ministers seem committed to pushing through a massive package of arbitrary cuts.

“Cuts to community pharmacies are bad for our local communities. But they are also bad for the NHS, which is already in crisis, and are a complete false economy as they will pile even more pressure on already overstretched GP surgeries and A&E [departments].”

“We firmly support” the PSNC’s decision to reject the proposals - Boots Spokesperson

“We are extremely disappointed that the pharmacy funding discussions have not reached a satisfactory outcome based on a shared understanding of the value of community pharmacy. We firmly support the PSNC decision to reject the government proposal this week and want to ensure community pharmacy remains an accessible point of care for all communities across the UK.”

The funding cut will have a “real impact” on community pharmacies - John D’Arcy, managing director, Numark

“We fully agree with the PSNC’s rejection of the Department of Health’s proposed cut of 12% this year. It’s essential that the Government recognises the crucial role of community pharmacies and reconsiders the framework through which this can be delivered as well as agreeing sufficient remuneration.”

“As any funding cuts would eat into profits provided from prescriptions, focusing on expanded service provision and stocking healthcare related OTC products will ensure pharmacies can continue to protect and grow their businesses.”

The Twitter reaction:

@Cormac1963 "this feels like a cynical attempt by the government to divert attention away from the imminent swingeing cuts to our sector.

— Celesio UK (@celesiouk) October 14, 2016

The PSNC are right to reject these Govt cuts to community pharmacies and warn of the damaging impact to our #NHS. They have my full support https://t.co/mQuUlhIImg

— Michael Dugher MP (@MichaelDugher) October 14, 2016

Employing Pharmacists in GP surgeries will not save valuable #communitypharmacies @PharmacyVoice

— Julie Cooper MP (@JulieForBurnley) October 14, 2016

The plans would force pharmacies to reduce staffing and cut back on services and are rooted in the govt’s professed aim to close pharmacies.

— Kevin Barron MP (@KevinBarronMP) October 14, 2016