As new campaign launches, RCPharm highlights rising abuse of community pharmacy teams
Published: 5 October 2026
The Royal College of Pharmacy is backing a new NHS England campaign aimed at encouraging the public to treat pharmacy teams with respect and recognising the vital role they play in delivering care in local communities.
Amandeep Doll, director for England, recently highlighted on BBC Morning Live the growing levels of abuse and aggression faced by community pharmacy teams across the country.
During the interview, Amandeep explained how pressures across the wider health service, coupled with ongoing medicines shortages, can leave patients feeling frustrated. She described how pharmacy teams often bear the brunt of this, despite working hard to help people access the care and medicines they need, stressing that abuse towards pharmacy staff is never acceptable.
Amandeep also highlighted the College’s call for the government to give pharmacists greater flexibility to make appropriate substitutions when prescribed medicines are unavailable, helping patients receive treatment more quickly and reducing unnecessary delays.
The campaign is the first of the 2026/2027 Community Pharmacy Contract. Pharmacy owners must promote the campaign from 5–25 October, which can be done by displaying posters at the pharmacy or providing information on the pharmacy’s website or on its social media channels.
Community pharmacy teams play an essential role in supporting patients and ensuring safe access to medicines. The College continues to call for measures to protect the wellbeing of the pharmacy workforce.
Further resources
- Experiencing abuse can be distressing. Contact our Professional Support line for confidential advice;
- The Pharmaceutical Journal has useful guidance on approaching difficult situations and challenging conversations;
- Download NHS posters to encourage patients to treat pharmacy teams with respect.
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