If you can find the time, do complete the Pharmacy Pressures Survey this month, says community pharmacy owner Anil Sharma

The pharmacy sector has been at crisis point for some time. With staff shortages, rising operational costs, increasing workloads, and the need for more funding, pharmacies are struggling to stay afloat. These challenges impact patient care, team wellbeing, and the sustainability of community pharmacies.

I’ve been a pharmacist and an independent pharmacy owner for many years, and I’ve seen all the issues first-hand. As a Community Pharmacy England committee member, regional representative for the East of England and vice chair of the funding and contract subcommittee, I’ve also seen how vital evidence is in making our case to policymakers and decision-makers.

We all know the reality on the ground but capturing it in a way that grabs the attention of policymakers, the media and the public is essential. It is for this very reason that the Pharmacy Pressures Survey, open until 28 February, is so important.

A vital snapshot of the sector

This survey isn’t just another questionnaire, it is an incredibly valuable influencing tool. It captures the daily challenges pharmacy teams face, from staff shortages to increasing patient demand, providing a detailed, evidence-based picture of the pressures on the sector. It allows us to present stark data to policymakers, just like last year’s results, which found one in six pharmacies are at risk of closure, 70% regularly struggle with staffing, and 80% have been abused by patients frustrated by medicines shortages.

By taking part, pharmacy owners and teams can help ensure these challenges are not ignored or dismissed as isolated issues but recognised as part of a much bigger crisis affecting so many across the country.

The power of data and turning it into action

The survey results are not hidden away, they form the foundation of our advocacy and lobbying efforts. When we highlight pharmacy closures or financial struggles, the data gives our warnings credibility. Policymakers and the media take notice when we present hard facts, not just anecdotal information or concerns. It helps immensely to have evidence to back us up.

As a pharmacy owner, I know how relentless the pressures can be. The situation now is unlike anything I’ve seen, with low staff morale, recruitment challenges, and increasing patient demand.

These aren’t isolated issues, they are daily struggles, and my pharmacies are no exception. We work long hours to meet patient needs and ensure our community receives the care they rely on. My team and I face mountains of prescriptions every day, with anxious patients waiting for their medicines. We constantly have a rolling list of people waiting because of medicine shortages.

When my staff finish their shifts, either my wife, Geeta, or I often stay late to finish the work, to meet the demand for the next day – the workload is overwhelming.

Paying competitive wages is a challenge, and recruitment is becoming even harder. Too many qualified professionals are leaving for retail or hospitality jobs, where pay is better and this shouldn’t be happening. I know many pharmacy owners in the same situation, working to the bone just to keep things running. The pressure is relentless, and without change, it will be difficult to carry on.

As a committee member, I also know how crucial it is to use these experiences to drive change. This survey allows pharmacy owners like you and me and out teams to share our reality in a way that can’t be ignored. It’s a chance to highlight the human impact of underfunding and show just how vital community pharmacies are.

Why your participation in the pharmacy pressures survey matters

If there’s one message I’d like to leave you with, it is this: your voice matters.

I know time is short, and filling in surveys can feel like one more task on a long to-do list. But taking just a few minutes to share your experiences essentially helps to play a crucial role in shaping the future of pharmacy.

Your response ensures that the challenges that we and our team face are presented strongly to those at the highest level.

So, I urge you to take part and encourage your colleagues to do the same. Our collective voice can help to push for a better future for community pharmacy.

Anil Sharma is a community pharmacy owner based in the East of England, who operates eight pharmacies across Cambridgeshire and Suffolk. Anil also serves as a committee member for Community Pharmacy England.