The National Pharmacy Association has pledged to stage a “day of action” this September to warn the incoming government of the difficult funding situation that faces English pharmacies. 

As voters went to the polls in the July 4 general election, the NPA issued a statement revealing its plans for a second protest on September 19 after its June 20 ‘blackout’ campaign led to tens of thousands signing its #saveourpharmacies petition.  

The trade body said it will “consult widely across the sector” to agree on the type of “symbolic action” it will take on September 19 – timed to coincide with the political party conference season – and that it will “remain absolutely committed to ensuring that patients and staff are safe and are not put at any risk”. 

The NPA said that around 6,000 pharmacies took part in the June 19 protest by dimming their lights or wearing black clothing. 

NPA chief executive Paul Rees said: “We are absolutely committed to working hand in hand with whoever forms the next government – and colleagues across the sector – to deliver a better deal for community pharmacies and unleash the power of our network to cut GP and hospital waiting times for millions.

“At the same time, we cannot leave anyone in any doubt about the need to fund pharmacies properly and ease the financial crisis that has seen more than 1,400 close in the past decade. 

“We do hope that the ministerial team, whoever they are after the election, will seize the opportunity to invest in our network and help ease the dreadful waiting times for GP and hospital appointments. 

“But we must ask our members to save the data and give ourselves a fresh moment to make it crystal clear that our network needs urgent support if it is to help deliver for patients across the UK.”