Pharmacy bodies have condemned the violence and intimidation taking place as racist riots spread across parts of the UK, while pledging support and solidarity for pharmacy teams.

And Community Pharmacy England (CPE) has issued advice for community pharmacies, including if they have to temporarily close if that is advised by police.

CPE said that the riots affecting some towns and cities across England 'may have an impact on the ability of community pharmacies to operate'.

Pharmacies in areas affected by protests should 'follow any guidance being provided by the police or local government' to protect staff, patients and premises.

They should 'liaise with other local businesses or local business representative organisations, who may be sharing information provided by the police or other authorities', while local pharmaceutical committees may be able to share advice provided by the Local Resilience Forum, CPE said in a statement shared today.

'Pharmacies may have to temporarily close if that is advised by police. In those circumstances, let the primary care team at your Integrated Care Board (ICB) know about this,' CPE added, sharing guidance on managing a temporary pharmacy closure.

It also told pharmacies to let their LPC know about issues related to violent protests in their area was affecting their ability to provide services to patients.

CPE also shared links to NHS England health and wellbeing support for pharmacy teams and the Pharmacist Support website, noting that 'disorder and related violence can be distressing for pharmacy owners and team members'.

'We stand in solidarity with people from every background who tirelessly serve communities across our country'

Paul Rees, chief executive of the National Pharmacy Association (NPA), said the organisation was 'appalled by the scenes of violence and intimidation in so many parts of the country over the past few days'.

'At a time when many people are alarmed, scared and upset, we stand in solidarity with people from every background who tirelessly serve communities across our country,' he said.

'Pharmacy contractors and their teams represent some of the most diverse communities of people delivering NHS services in this country. They support an array of communities made up of every race, faith and social class.

'Pharmacy teams are symbolic of modern Britain, but like others in our communities many will be starting this week fearful of what the next few days will hold. They shouldn’t have to fear attacks on places of worship, business or threats to people who look like them. We condemn all such attacks.

'Immigration is a big part of the community pharmacy story in this country'

'We are immensely proud of the diversity of pharmacy contractors and their teams and stand shoulder to shoulder with them at this time of national crisis.'

He added: 'Immigration is a big part of the community pharmacy story in this country. Dating back generations, many people have come here from abroad, joined the pharmacy profession and set up pharmacy businesses - to the great benefit of the communities they and their children and grandchildren now serve.'

The Pharmacists' Defence Association (PDA) also noted how pharmacists 'care for patients from all parts of the community' and that 'PDA members, their families, and the patients they serve reflect the diversity of modern UK'.

'There are pharmacies in the very heart of most communities, often in high streets, providing vital care, advice, and medicines to the public,' it said in an online statement.

'These premises need to be able to continue to serve the community without staff fearing for their well-being, or patients worrying about attending the pharmacy when collecting essential medicines or to access services.'

'Pharmacies must be able to continue to serve the community without staff fearing for their well-being'

'The PDA sends support to all those who are dealing with the violent disorder first-hand, as well as any victims of violence.'

With further riots expected over the coming days, the PDA called for pharmacy employers to communicate adequately with staff in areas where conflict may occur, and to 'prioritise the health and safety of staff and patients', including by 'taking whatever measures necessary to keep them from harm'.

It told PDA members who were concerned about their safety to engage with their managers or employers, or the PDA Member support Centre if they needed further advice.

'The local police should also be notified of any criminal activity, including violence,' it added.

Meanwhile, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) expressed 'shock' at the riots taking place across the UK, sharing that it was united with other pharmacy bodies 'in having a zero tolerance of racism in whatever form it takes'.

And the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) acknowledged 'how all sectors of the pharmacy profession may be impacted', and recognised 'the challenges that this level of overt aggression can have on people’s ability or willingness to live their daily lives'.

'The pharmacy workforce deserve peace and safety, not fear and harm,' it said in a statement.

In a post shared on social media, the Primary Care Pharmacy Association (PCPA) said it was 'honoured' to be 'a diverse specialist pharmacy group, proud to represent the very best of multi-ethnic, multi-racial Britain, Northern Ireland and beyond'.

'We are appreciative of our excellent teams whose beliefs, backgrounds and belonging bring expertise, safety and empathy when assisting patients and their loved ones with medicines, health and wellbeing,' the PCPA said.

'We strongly denounce the recent shocking Islamophobic and racist disorder being committed in the UK,' it added.

This comes as the Royal College of GPs (RCGP) has reported GPs and practice staff being ‘targeted with abuse and violence’ during racist riots across the UK in recent days.
And one integrated care board (ICB) encouraged GP practices in the Birmingham area to consider ‘closing early or cancelling appointments’ to ensure the safety of their staff yesterday amid reports of predicted unrest.
A 2020 survey conducted by The Pharmacist found 'an ongoing problem' of racism towards pharmacists.