Medication access challenges leave patients vulnerable: Healthwatch Nottingham and Nottinghamshire report calls for change

Over 280 residents shared their experience with us, highlighting both the strengths and areas in need of improvement in community pharmacies throughout Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.

While most respondents found it easy to access their local pharmacy, more than two in five reported difficulties with medicine supply. These shortages led to repeated visits, long wait times, and increased stress. Vulnerable individuals have been disproportionately affected, underscoring the need for improvement to ensure equitable access to essential medications.

This report comes at a crucial time, as medication shortages continue to rise across the country, with a National Patient Safety Alert warning of further disruptions to ADHD treatments in Nottinghamshire. Healthwatch Nottingham & Nottinghamshire urges policymakers and healthcare leaders to address these concerns by implementing the recommendations outlined in the report to improve patient care and pharmacy accessibility.

Key Findings from the Report

Our survey highlights the vital role of community pharmacies, with 97.5% of people having used one in the past year. However, key challenges remain: Accessibility: While most found pharmacies easy to access, 5.4% faced difficulties due to limited hours, long wait times, or perceived operational issues. Medicine Shortages: Over 40% experienced shortages, leading to repeated visits, delays, and stress, impacting both patient health and pharmacy workloads. Medicine Dispensing: Issues include misaligned prescription quantities, difficulties managing multiple medications, and a lack of awareness about reasonable adjustments like blister packs or large-print labels. Affordability: One in four people who pay for their prescriptions reported affordability issues, and delay or skip medications as a result Pharmacy First Scheme: 40% of people were aware of the scheme, with mixed feedback—some valued the convenience, while others cited unclear eligibility, limited scope, and concerns about pharmacists’ diagnostic capabilities. The report underscores that vulnerable groups—such as individuals with disabilities, long-term conditions, caregivers, and those reliant on care—face greater challenges in accessing pharmacies, securing medications, and receiving necessary dispensing adjustments.

Healthwatch Nottingham & Nottinghamshire urges policymakers to address these pressing concerns to ensure equitable access to essential medications and pharmacy services.

Pharmacy providers, the Integrated Care Board (ICB), and the Local Pharmaceutical Committee are recommended to: Adjust Pharmacy Hours to better accommodate working individuals.

Ensure effective communication with all patients, based on their individual needs, regarding cost-saving options and dispensing adjustments.

Enhance the Pharmacy First Scheme by ensuring greater understanding of eligibility, effective signposting and building public confidence to maximise its benefits Ensure Transparency with regular public updates on medicine shortages and pharmacy closures.

Monitor pharmacy closures to proactively prevent the emergence of ‘pharmacy deserts’ and ensure continued access for vulnerable communities. Public Feedback: "I have gone without medication for months at times, despite repeatedly checking with the pharmacy and submitting repeat prescriptions. This has inevitably affected my health, as I wouldn’t be on the medication otherwise. Rarely do I receive all my prescribed medications in one request, leading to wasted time for me, the pharmacy, and my GP. They often have to reorder in different formats without knowing which medications are in short supply."

Read the full report and recommendations here: Community Pharmacy Hot Topic | Healthwatch Nottingham and Nottinghamshire

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Sabrina Taylor, CEO of Healthwatch Nottingham & Nottinghamshire, said:

"This report highlights the urgent need to address medicine shortages and improve pharmacy accessibility. With some patients resorting to the grey market, including platforms like eBay and Amazon, due to unavailability. At Healthwatch, we are committed to amplifying public concerns and driving improvements. We urge policymakers and healthcare leaders to act now, implementing these recommendations to ensure pharmacies can provide timely, effective care - especially for vulnerable communities. Poor communication with patients was also a strong theme, and we recommend that medicine shortages are clearly explained to patients to prevent misinformation and help them access the medication and support they deserve."