These pharmacists are supported by charity Pharmacist Support who said they are “bracing itself” for an increase in its workload.

Pharmacist Support survey

The survey was run over three weeks in May and sought views from a representative sample of all areas of pharmacy, as well as students, pre-registration trainees and retired pharmacists.  The survey results found that:

• 97% of the nearly 500 respondents to a Pharmacist Support survey felt they needed some form of assistance from Pharmacist Support.
• 59% or respondents said they are struggling with their work-life balance.
• 47% of pharmacists responding to the survey said they needed support with managing their wellbeing.
• 71% of respondents identified mental health as a major issue facing the profession with particularly concerning reports from community pharmacists. 68% of community pharmacists identified isolation as a key problem in the sector.

Pharmacist Support chief executive Danielle Hunt is reported to have told MPs and pharmacy representatives that the survey “highlighted some major concerns around stress and wellbeing”.

“We are bracing ourselves for a future increase in demand and continue to look for new ways to fund our activity, because currently our demand exceeds our income…Our event in parliament is our first step in proactively contributing to the crucial conversations taking place.”