Trade press
Recent reports highlight that nine in ten pharmacies have experienced verbal or physical intimidation from patients who were not eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations, according to data from the National Pharmacy Association.
Community Pharmacy England’s current sector Opinion Poll includes important questions about patient abuse towards pharmacy staff. Patient aggression, abuse and intimidation are on the rise and remain a major concern across the sector.
Responses to our current poll will be invaluable in helping us make the case to the Government for the urgent changes needed to ensure community pharmacy teams are better protected and supported. 
February 2026 Committee Opinion Poll Survey
In response to press queries, our CEO gave the following comment.
Our CEO Janet Morrison said:
“The issues with COVID vaccination confusion at the start of the season impacted on pharmacy teams in numerous ways and this is why we argued that they should receive compensation for this. All costs to businesses from delivering NHS services need to be covered by NHS funding: anything less is neither acceptable nor sustainable. Unfortunately, incidences of patient aggression and abuse of pharmacy teams only seem to be increasing, and this is adding to the immense pressures that pharmacy owners and their teams are already working under. Community pharmacies are critical to the nation’s health and need protection – both from patient abuse, and from the ongoing crippling financial pressures. Rising reports of patient abuse across England remains a big concern. Our current sector poll includes questions on this, and we encourage community pharmacy colleagues to share their experiences. Responses will help persuade policymakers of the urgent need for change.”
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