Pharmacy contractors admit staff shortages are their biggest concern

When asked to name the “top challenge” presently facing pharmacy contractors, 64 percent of attendees at a recent LPC (Local Pharmaceutical Committee) meeting named workforce shortages as their biggest problem. Financial related concerns were chosen by 17% of participants as a predominant concern. In March of last year, the UK administration included pharmacists on the shortage occupation list.

Some people were also requested to recommend key areas for the Community Pharmacy Workforce Development Group to focus on. Attendees spoke about how to attract and retain employees, how to transition pharmacists from community to primary care networks, and how to increase staff development opportunities for pharmacy teams.

A PSNC (Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee spokesperson) said that “The results of the conference’s temperature check polls will help the PSNC to prioritise its work streams for the coming months.”

Last month a survey was conducted on salary and job satisfaction. Over ¾ of participants admitted a “lack of staff” put a strain on being able to execute their job efficiently. The impact of workforce shortages was especially significant in the hospital and community business, with approximately 90% concerned.

Claire Anderson, president of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, commented on the research and concluded that there was a “very clear” link between “the stresses on the profession and the challenges of recruitment and staff”. It is “critical that there is meaningful and robust pharmacy workforce planning in place, which takes into account all sectors, skill mix requirements and workforce changes resulting from new services and digital improvements.”