Medication Access Challenges Leave Patients Vulnerable: HWNN New Report Calls for Change

While most found it easy to access their local pharmacy, over two in five reported difficulties with medicine supply. These shortages led to repeated visits, long wait times, and increased stress, disproportionately affecting vulnerable individuals. This report is timely, as medication shortages continue to rise nationally, with even ADHD treatments facing disruptions locally.

Our survey highlights the vital role of community pharmacies, with 97.5% of people having used one in the past year. However, key challenges remain: accessibility (limited hours, long waits), medicine shortages (impacting patient health and pharmacy workloads), medicine dispensing (misaligned prescriptions, difficulty managing multiple medications), affordability (one in four struggling to pay), and the Pharmacy First Scheme (mixed feedback on awareness and effectiveness).

Vulnerable groups face greater challenges accessing pharmacies, securing medications, and receiving necessary dispensing adjustments. We urge policymakers to address these concerns to ensure equitable access.

We recommend pharmacy providers, the ICB, and the Local Pharmaceutical Committee: adjust pharmacy hours; improve communication with patients about cost-saving options and dispensing adjustments; enhance the Pharmacy First Scheme; ensure transparency with regular updates on shortages and closures; and monitor pharmacy closures to prevent ‘pharmacy deserts.’

One resident shared, "I have gone without medication for months...Rarely do I receive all my prescribed medications in one request, leading to wasted time..."

CEO Sabrina Taylor said, "This report highlights the urgent need to address medicine shortages and improve pharmacy accessibility. We are committed to amplifying public concerns and driving improvements. We urge policymakers and healthcare leaders to act now, implementing these recommendations to ensure pharmacies can provide timely, effective care – especially for vulnerable communities. Poor communication with patients was also a strong theme, and we recommend that medicine shortages are clearly explained to patients to prevent misinformation and help them access the medication and support they deserve."

Read the full report and recommendations here: 

Community Pharmacy Hot Topic | Healthwatch Nottingham and Nottinghamshire