We recognise that access to pharmacy services is an issue of utmost importance to patients, carers and their families.
Pharmacy closures can be distressing for all involved, and potentially may raise concerns for patient safety, particularly if people cannot access the medicines and other pharmacy services many rely on.
The causes behind the level of closures that we have been seeing recently can be complex and include financial, commercial, labour market and contractual factors.
Our statement sets out how the issue of pharmacy closures relates to our role and remit as the independent regulator as well as the wider context of pharmacy service delivery.