With more than 500 branches and 4,800 employees, it has been reported that Rowlands is looking at which of its branches are financially unviable and considering merging those located close to each other.
In a recent interview with Chemist & Druggist, Rowlands’ Managing Director Kenny Black, said: “We are doing all we can to address the draconian cuts we have seen to community pharmacy funding, including reducing our cost base, identifying new revenue opportunities, and where appropriate reducing our branch network.
“Ministers say there are too many pharmacies, and yet when we propose to merge branches without reducing patient access it is a very long and expensive process,” he added.
PDA will also be increasing our discussions about the impact of cuts for pharmacists and of course the impact on patients and their care. PDA have previously lobbied to discuss the potential impact of pharmacy closures upon the public, and consequences elsewhere in the health system.
PDA ask that any members affected by this announcement, seek our support and get the full benefit of advice of their legal and contractual rights. If there are store closures, we will work appropriately with the company to find agreed solutions with our members whenever possible.
Pharmacists that are not yet PDA members are also encouraged to join us and get help and support in this time of uncertainty.