Community Pharmacy Devon

27/08/2026

Martin Wrigley, MP for Newton Abbot, recently visited both Buckland Pharmacy and Day Lewis Pharmacy in Devon Square where he met with local pharmacy teams to gain a better understanding of the current challenges facing community pharmacy.

During the visit, Martin was keen to learn more about how community pharmacies operate and the increasing pressures they face. At Buckland Pharmacy the team explained the impact of ongoing medicine shortages and pricing concessions, highlighting that pharmacies are legally required to dispense exactly what is prescribed, even when certain medicines are difficult to obtain.

The discussion also covered the range of clinical services offered by community pharmacies, many of which rely on referrals from other healthcare organisations. The significant challenges facing the sector across Devon were highlighted, including the fact that the county has experienced one of the highest levels of established pharmacy contractor closures in recent years, with the effects being felt across local communities.

At Day Lewis Pharmacy, the team shared similar concerns around financial pressures, changing prescribing practices, and the underutilisation of pharmacy services. Despite these challenges, staff spoke passionately about their commitment to supporting patients and providing accessible healthcare within the community.

One example that particularly resonated with Martin was a recent incident where a patient suffered a seizure in the pharmacy. To ensure the patient's privacy and allow the team to provide appropriate support, the pharmacy temporarily closed. The experience highlighted the vital role community pharmacies play, not only in supplying medicines but also as an essential part of the local healthcare network.

The visit provided an important opportunity to showcase the value of community pharmacy, while also highlighting the urgent need to address the challenges facing the sector to ensure patients continue to have access to local pharmacy services in the future.

26/08/2026

The Pharmacy Pressures Survey 2026 confirmed what the sector already knows: daily medicines shortages and rising operating and financial pressures are affecting pharmacy teams, businesses and those who rely on them. These important findings further strengthen the call for sustainable investment and a long-term plan to protect pharmacies.

Read the results of the survey here: https://cpe.org.uk/our-news/pressures-survey-underlines-financial-crisis-in-pharmacy/

Community pharmacies across England are still facing severe financial losses, with patients increasingly feeling the impact through delays to medicines and reduced access to care, this year’s Pharmacy Pressures Survey has shown. The owners of more than 2,900 pharmacies, along with 900 pharmacy tea...

06/08/2026

Did you know....antibiotics are no longer routinely used to treat infections.

This is because:

✨Many infections are caused by viruses, so antibiotics are not effective
✨Antibiotics are often unlikely to speed up the healing process and can cause side effects
✨The more antibiotics are used to treat trivial conditions, the more likely they are to become ineffective for treating more serious conditions

Both the NHS and health organisations across the world are trying to reduce the use of antibiotics, especially for health problems that are not serious.

For example, antibiotics are no longer routinely used to treat:

✨Chest infections
✨Ear infections in children
✨Sore throats

05/08/2026

Stress Management and Building Resilience Workshop now available to view online.

The stress management and building resilience workshop facilitated by Pharmacist Support, provides a deeper dive into wellbeing and looks at how to build resilience. It provides techniques for dealing with feelings of pressure including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and encourages participants to identify and build on strengths. It explains the advantages of positive thinking and self-reflection, in addition to providing tips to enhance resilience and wellbeing. You can view it here -

Protecting the health, wellbeing and safety of pharmacy team members is a high priority for pharmacy owners, the NHS and Community Pharmacy England. The continuing fragility across England of pharmacy finances, alongside high workloads, stress, ongoing uncertainty and rising reports of abuse from pa

05/08/2026

Learn, Connect, Celebrate: The i2i Bristol Summit

The i2i Summits bring together pharmacy professionals from every sector for a full, FREE day of clinical training and development, and this year it takes place in Bristol on 6th October. Expect local speakers running rapid-fire speed learning sessions, plus a keynote on all things AI and what it means for your role, whatever setting you work in.
Beyond the learning, the day is built for networking, a genuine chance to connect with pharmacy professionals from across the whole system, share experiences, and build relationships that go well beyond the summit itself. The full day counts towards your CPD, giving you structured, verifiable learning you can log straight away, along with refreshments and time built in to make the most of the day.
It's also where we'll be celebrating the i2i Awards, with cash prizes for our winners.
Bringing your team? Bring 5 friends or colleagues along and you'll be eligible for a travel bursary for the day. Email us at [email protected] for more information.
Whether you're a pharmacy owner or part of a wider team, this is your chance to learn, connect, and be recognised for the work you do.

📍 Future Inn Bristol Bond Street | 📅 6th October | 🎟️ Book your FREE place here - https://www.i2ipharmacists.co.uk/workshop/i2i-regional-summit-bristol-2026/

27/07/2026

Do you enjoy podcasts? Why not check out our A Dose of Wellbeing this available on all major podcast streaming services & YouTube. 🎧🎙️

Relax, enjoy in your own time and watch or listen to your newest podcast addiction. Designed to inspire, support and empower you today!

🔗https://pharmacistsupport.org/how-we-can-help/wellbeing-service/a-dose-of-wellbeing-the-pharmacist-support-podcast/

27/07/2026

27/07/2026

We have just spotted that Eleanor Rowse of Dawlish Warren Pharmacy has been shortlisted for the Pharmacy Technician of the Year in the https://www.chemistanddruggist.co.uk/news/revealed-cd-awards-2026-the-shortlist-is-now-live-4UDGPOGVU5AMBA4BIEGYB7COH4/?utm_campaign=Editorial+stories&utm_medium=linkedin&utm_source=Vista - huge congratulations, what an achievement! 👏

After a record number of entries across 15 categories, the shortlist for the 2026 C+D Awards has been revealed…

24/07/2026

Find a pharmacy here where you can access Pharmacy First https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/pharmacy/find-a-pharmacy

⚓ Meet Nigel, one of our Pharmacy First ambassadors and a local fisherman who knows how important it is to have quick and convenient access to healthcare.

After long mornings at sea, Nigel values being able to visit his local pharmacy for advice and treatment for common health concerns.

The NHS Pharmacy First service means you can get advice and, where appropriate, treatment from your local pharmacist for 7 common conditions, without needing to see a GP first:

✅ Sinusitis (adults and children aged 12+)
✅ Sore throat (adults and children aged 5+)
✅ Earache (children aged 1–17)
✅ Infected insect bites (adults and children aged 1+)
✅ Impetigo (adults and children aged 1+)
✅ Shingles (adults aged 18+)
✅ Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (women aged 16–64)

Our Pharmacy First ambassadors are helping to raise awareness of this NHS service and encourage people to think pharmacy first when they need help with these common conditions.

Find out more about Pharmacy First and how your local pharmacy can help: https://onedevon.org.uk/our-work/services-and-support/pharmacy-services/pharmacy-first-service/

23/07/2026

Growing demand highlights the value of community pharmacy services

The NHSBSA data demonstrates a significant increase in patients accessing services through community pharmacies over the course of the year.

Activity rose from 590 consultations in July 2025 to 2,935 in March 2026, representing an overall increase of 397%.

The steady growth seen across this period indicates that more patients are choosing to access care through their local pharmacy, recognising the convenience, accessibility and quality of the support available. Despite a small seasonal dip in February, activity quickly recovered to reach the highest level recorded in March.

This sustained uplift demonstrates that community pharmacies are playing an increasingly important role in supporting patient access to valued healthcare services. The growing numbers reflect both increasing public awareness and confidence in pharmacy-led care, helping patients receive timely advice and treatment while reducing pressure on other parts of the NHS.