The NHS is facing its most severe medicine shortages in history, leaving patients at risk of harm. Health leaders warn that critical supplies are dwindling for essential medications, including painkillers, epilepsy treatments, and hormone replacement therapy (HRT), with many communities affected.
Both the National Pharmacy Association (NPA) and the Royal College of GPs have expressed deep concern about the escalating situation, highlighting its impact on patients and healthcare professionals alike. The NPA has specifically warned that these shortages pose a "serious risk to patient safety."
The prolonged supply issues affecting Estradot – an HRT commonly prescribed for menopausal women – and Creon – a vital drug for individuals with conditions like pancreatic cancer and cystic fibrosis – have led to the introduction of Serious Shortage Protocols (SSPs). These emergency measures, initially intended as short-term solutions, were introduced by the Department of Health approximately one-and-a-half years ago for Estradot and two years ago for Creon. They are now set to run until 10 July, a record duration.
Patient experiences paint a worrying picture: some individuals are being forced to ration their medication or skip meals due to supply shortages, particularly those reliant on drugs like Creon. Bryony Thomas, a pancreatic cancer survivor from Stroud, described her two-year struggle to access Creon and the need to ration her medication, reducing her food intake. Her mother-in-law has endured four-hour round trips to procure essential medication.
Pharmacies are also struggling to source other frequently dispensed medicines, including Ramipril for managing high blood pressure and common painkillers like low-dose aspirin and co-codamol. Factors contributing to these shortages include increased volatility in global supply chains, disruptions in manufacturing, a smaller UK medicines budget compared to other EU nations, and evolving prescribing patterns for HRT.
The NPA is urging the government to establish an urgent taskforce comprising medicine manufacturers, wholesalers, and clinicians to address these systemic issues collaboratively. This includes exploring ways to stabilise supply chains, improve forecasting, and ensure a more robust medicines budget.