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.
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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%.
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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.
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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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