How Pharmacies Handle Medicine Shortages

The Daily Reality

The Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee (PSNC) estimates that community pharmacists spend an average of 20 hours per week managing medicine supply issues. During peak shortage periods, this can consume half of a pharmacist's working time.

Morning: Checking Stock

Each morning, pharmacy staff check what's been delivered overnight against what was ordered. When items are listed as "out of stock" or "no supply date," the shortage management process begins:

1. Check alternative wholesalers — most pharmacies have accounts with 2-3 wholesalers. If one doesn't have stock, another might.
2. Check manufacturer direct — some manufacturers supply pharmacies directly for specific products.
3. Contact nearby pharmacies — pharmacists will call colleagues to see if anyone has stock they can share.
4. Check for SSPs — if a Serious Shortage Protocol is active, the pharmacist can supply the approved alternative.

Contacting GPs

When a medicine can't be sourced at all, the pharmacist needs to contact the prescriber. This is one of the most time-consuming parts of shortage management:

• Getting through to GP surgeries can take significant time
• The GP needs to review the patient's notes and choose an appropriate alternative
• A new prescription needs to be issued
• The patient may need to collect the new prescription or have it sent electronically

Managing Patient Expectations

Pharmacists also serve as the front-line communicators during shortages. They explain the situation to patients, manage frustration and anxiety, and provide reassurance. This emotional labour is significant and often unrecognised.

Tools Pharmacists Use

• Wholesaler portals — online systems showing stock availability in real-time
• PSNC alerts — shortage notifications from the negotiating committee
• DHSC notifications — official supply disruption communications
• Local pharmacy networks — informal WhatsApp groups and phone trees between local pharmacists
• MedWatch and similar services — tracking tools that aggregate shortage information

What You Can Do to Help

• Be patient with your pharmacist — they're dealing with enormous pressure during shortages
• Order prescriptions early — giving the pharmacy time to source your medicine
• Be flexible about brands — if your pharmacist suggests a generic alternative, consider it
• Don't blame the pharmacist — they don't control supply, they're working hard to help you
• Say thank you — pharmacists report that patient appreciation makes a real difference during stressful shortage periods

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