The Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies have acknowledged the recent increase in violence and abuse towards pharmacists, pointing to the pandemic as a tipping point. A spokesperson said:

“We understand the frustration patients can feel when there is a shortage of drugs or a service is withdrawn, but there is never an excuse for abuse. Incidents have also arisen when patients refused to queue or wear masks as a result of Covid.

It is sad to see, but none of the issues experienced by patients are the fault of the pharmacist. Unfortunately, the problem of abuse is also being seen more widely across the health care sector and is affecting GPs and hospital staff.”

After a recent report found 85% of pharmacists have experienced verbal or racial abuse while at work.

Mike Hewitson’s petition calls for extra funding to go towards local pharmacies in order to ensure a safe and secure environment. His plea is echoed by the Company Chemists’ Association, the National Pharmacy Association, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society and the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee - the chief executive, Janet Morrison, said:

“Abuse of community pharmacy staff, or any other healthcare professional, is never acceptable, and all in a position of responsibility must make this clear. The increase in abuse of pharmacy staff during the pandemic was an unfortunate trend, but the evidence suggests that abuse directed at pharmacists and their teams is growing in frequency and severity.”

Pharmacy teams are dedicated to helping their local communities, providing support and advice to people who aren’t able to see a GP. A local pharmacy is the first place to go in order to collect prescription medicines and clinical advice for minor health concerns, providing quality healthcare and steering people towards the services they can benefit from. Every year, local pharmacies save 32.2 million GP appointments. They delivered over 24 million covid vaccines to the most vulnerable patients, acting as a lifeline to communities during the pandemic.

With many pharmacies struggling with issues around underfunding and an overstretched workforce, this increase in physical and verbal abuse is cause for serious concern.

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Mike Hewitson’s petition has over 80,000 signatures at the time of writing - to add your name and lend your support, follow this link to Change.org.