A NUMBER of pharmacies across Warrington are experiencing shortages of medication as a result of nationwide staff shortages-being blamed on Brexit.
They are struggling to obtain stock for various medications across a wide range of health areas including HRT, epilepsy, acne, contraception, etc.
Popular bands, such as Beechams, Calpol and Gaviscon, as well as more generic offerings such as Paracetamol have also been affected.
A spokesman for Imaan Healthcare, who operate Orford Pharmacy, one of the affected outlets, said “These shortages are nationwide, and pharmacists are now spending more time trying to source medication from wholesalers or other pharmacies, and ultimately can’t get hold of them.
“Wholesalers frequently do not have enough staff in warehouses and depots to pick the meds, nor enough drivers to deliver them.
“A pharmacy would typically place an order expecting to receive them on the next run, but they have recently experienced missing and incorrect tote boxes, the supply of incorrect medication, and the supply of too little and too much medication. This creates extra work and stress for the pharmacy team, who must spend additional time creating credit notes, but it is ultimately the patient who suffers in the end. Unable to receive the medication they need, many patients become angry and direct abuse at pharmacy staff. Though still a sensitive subject, Brexit has exacerbated the situation. With workers returning to their countries of origin, there are no longer enough people available to work these difficult jobs at wholesaler depots and distribution centres.
“Supply of most products across all industries have been affected by rising costs of raw materials, staff resources, fuel and energy. The pharmaceutical sector is just one of many affected by these issues.”
