Medical shortages hitting pharmacies in Gloucestershire
Drugs shortages putting pressure on already stretched services, experts warn.
Last updated 3rd Jun 2024
Analysis by the National Pharmacy Association (NPA) found the number of Serious Shortage Protocols (SSPs) - alerts that notify pharmacies that they may need to supply an alternative medication to patients - has gone up by three and a half times in the last two years.
According to the NPA, there have been 50 SSPs issued by the Department of Health and Social Care between 2022 and 2024 compared to 15 between 2019 and 2021.
The analysis found the alerts were for a range of conditions, including epilepsy, angina, menopause, thyroid problems and depression.
Four SSPs were sent out over a three-day period in May alone, the NPA claims, the same number that have been issued for the whole of 2020.
The Health and Social Care Committee said the issue is leaving Pharmacy First, which launched in January, at risk of failure.
The policy allows patients to be treated for seven common conditions at their local pharmacy without the need for a GP appointment or prescription.
But there are concerns patients could be reluctant to visit pharmacies for clinical services if medication is out of stock, and will return to their GP.
Gloucestershire pharmacist, Peter Badham, said: "If patients are stabilised on a certain medication we can work with the GP to find alternatives, but why should we destabilise their medication regime.
"And some items we can't get alternatives for. It does cause a lot of inconvenience for patients and a lot of extra work for pharmacy staff and GPs trying to find alternatives."