The number of bricks and mortar community pharmacies providing NHS services in England has dropped to 9,999, the latest figures from the NHS Business Services Authority have revealed.
Of those, 4,910 were single or small groups of independents (1-5 pharmacies), 1,807 were part of medium-sized groups (6-99 pharmacies), and 3,282 were part of large groups (100+ pharmacies).
This means that as of 31 March 2025, small pharmacies made up nearly half (49%) of the sector, medium groups made up 18%, and large multiples made up 33%.
These ratios have remained the same since September 2024 and suggest a growth in independent pharmacies in England – particularly in small groups of pharmacies – and a reduction in the number of large multiples.
The recent independent economic analysis of community pharmacies in England found that current funding did not cover the full economic cost of providing NHS services for between 97.7-100.0% of pharmacies.
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