CCA Manifesto Urges Wales Gov’t for Pharmacy Growth 2026

Key Points

• The Chemists’ Association (CCA) has released a manifesto ahead of the Senedd elections on 7th May, urging political parties in Wales to invest in community pharmacies to match rising costs and workload demands.
• 4 percent of Welsh pharmacies closed in 2023-2024, highlighting sector vulnerabilities.
• CCA calls for long-term sustainability through adequate funding, workforce investment, and capacity expansion to meet patient needs.
• Emphasis on growing independent prescribers and supporting frontline teams.
• Push for accelerated digital transformation, including interoperable systems and access to a single national clinical data resource.
• CCA chief executive Malcolm Harrison stresses that investment is “non-negotiable” to harness pharmacy potential, protect patient access, and free up NHS capacity.
• Welsh community pharmacies number under 700, dispensing 86 million prescriptions annually (6 million weekly), serving rural areas.
• Common Ailments Service saw a 44 percent surge in 2024, reflecting trust in pharmacy-led care.
• Nearly a third of pharmacies now offer independent prescribing, with a goal for every pharmacy to have one by 2030, positioning Wales as a UK leader in healthcare transformation.
• With investment, pharmacies can expand into urgent care, chronic condition management, and preventative services like vaccinations, smoking cessation, and weight management.

Wales (The Wales Times) February 26, 2026 – The Chemists’ Association (CCA) has launched a comprehensive manifesto calling on the next Welsh Government to prioritise the growth and sustainability of community pharmacies ahead of the Senedd elections on 7th May. Amid rising costs and increasing workloads, the CCA warns that without matched investments, the sector risks further decline, as evidenced by the closure of 4 percent of Welsh pharmacies in 2023-2024.

The manifesto, released to guide political parties, outlines urgent needs for funding, workforce development, and digital upgrades to ensure pharmacies can meet patient demands and alleviate NHS pressures.

What Challenges Are Community Pharmacies in Wales Facing?

Community pharmacies in Wales operate under mounting pressures, with closures underscoring the need for immediate action. As detailed in the CCA manifesto, 4 percent of pharmacies shut down in 2023-2024, a stark indicator of sustainability issues driven by escalating costs and workload demands.

The CCA urges the next government to ensure investments keep pace, stating explicitly that long-term viability requires “adequate funding and ensure that the capacity keeps pace with patient needs.” This plea comes as pharmacies handle ever-growing responsibilities, from dispensing prescriptions to advanced clinical services.

Why Is the CCA Urging Investment in the Pharmacy Workforce?

A core demand in the manifesto is investment in the workforce to bolster frontline teams and expand independent prescribers. The CCA highlights that nearly a third of pharmacies now offer independent prescribing services, “unlocking the full clinical potential of pharmacists.“

With an ambitious target for every pharmacy to have an independent prescriber by 2030, Wales is “leading one of the most ambitious transformations of healthcare in the UK.” The manifesto calls for targeted support to grow these numbers, enabling pharmacies to deliver more sophisticated care without overburdening general practices or hospitals.

As reported in coverage of the manifesto launch, this workforce expansion is vital to harness untapped potential amid rising patient expectations.

How Can Digital Transformation Benefit Welsh Pharmacies?

The CCA manifesto presses for accelerated digital transformation, advocating interoperable systems and access to a “single national clinical data resource.” Such upgrades would streamline operations, improve data sharing across the NHS, and enhance patient outcomes.

This push aligns with broader NHS digitisation efforts but tailors them to pharmacy needs, ensuring seamless integration for services like prescription management and clinical consultations. By prioritising these changes, the next government could position community pharmacies as efficient hubs in Wales’ healthcare ecosystem.

What Did CCA Chief Executive Malcolm Harrison Say?

CCA chief executive Malcolm Harrison delivered a forceful endorsement of investment during the manifesto release. As quoted directly from the CCA announcement, Harrison said:

“Pharmacies across Wales are stepping up and providing even more for patients. The potential of community pharmacy is huge, and if the next Welsh Government wants to harness this opportunity, protect patient access and free up NHS capacity, investment in the sector is non-negotiable.”

This statement, widely reported across Welsh media, encapsulates the CCA’s stance, framing pharmacies as essential partners in NHS relief rather than peripheral services.

What Services Do Welsh Community Pharmacies Currently Provide?

The manifesto spotlights the extensive role of Wales’ under 700 community pharmacies, which dispense 86 million prescriptions each year—equivalent to 6 million weekly. These outlets serve “some of the most rural demographics,” ensuring equitable access in remote areas where hospitals and GP surgeries may be scarce.

The Common Ailments Service has surged by 44 percent in 2024, “clearly showing the trust enjoyed by pharmacy-led care.” This growth reflects public confidence and the sector’s capacity to handle minor illnesses efficiently, reducing unnecessary NHS visits.

Additionally, nearly a third of pharmacies now provide independent prescribing, a milestone that advances clinical autonomy for pharmacists.

How Can Pharmacies Expand Their Role in Urgent and Preventative Care?

With the right investment, the CCA asserts, community pharmacies are

“well-placed to play a larger role in urgent care, a greater role in managing chronic conditions, and increasing its vital preventative services such as vaccinations, smoking cessation, and weight management services.”

The manifesto makes clear that enhanced funding would enable even more services, easing NHS pressures across Wales. For instance, expanded urgent care capabilities could divert minor emergencies from A&E departments, while bolstered preventative offerings promote public health and reduce long-term costs.

This vision positions pharmacies as frontline defenders against healthcare overload, particularly in chronic disease management where consistent monitoring is key.

Why Are Senedd Elections Critical for Pharmacy Sustainability?

Timed ahead of the 7th May Senedd elections, the CCA manifesto serves as a direct appeal to all political parties. It urges commitments to protect the sector’s future, warning that failure to act could exacerbate closures and service gaps.

The document’s release amplifies voices from pharmacy teams on the ground, who are already “stepping up” despite constraints. Coverage in outlets like The Wales Times emphasises this as a pivotal moment for cross-party consensus on healthcare funding.

What Makes Wales a Leader in Pharmacy Transformation?

Wales stands at the forefront of UK pharmacy evolution, with its 2030 goal for universal independent prescribers. The manifesto credits current progress—such as the 44 percent rise in Common Ailments Service usage—but insists investment is essential to sustain momentum.

This leadership potential extends to digital and workforce innovations, potentially setting a model for other UK nations. As the CCA outlines, realising this requires government backing to match ambition with resources.

How Do Pharmacy Services Impact Rural Welsh Communities?

Serving under 700 sites, pharmacies are lifelines in rural Wales, dispensing millions of prescriptions weekly to isolated populations. The manifesto’s data on 86 million annual items underscores their scale, while the rural focus highlights equity in access.

Trust metrics, like the 2024 ailments service surge, affirm pharmacies’ role in community health, fostering self-reliance and early intervention.

What Broader NHS Benefits Could Arise from CCA’s Proposals?

By freeing up NHS capacity through pharmacy expansion, the manifesto argues for systemic efficiencies. Independent prescribing, digital tools, and preventative services could shift care models, reducing hospital admissions and GP burdens.

CCA chief executive Malcolm Harrison’s call reinforces this: investment protects access and unlocks “huge” potential, a narrative echoed in the document’s vision for integrated care.

The CCA’s manifesto arrives at a juncture when Welsh healthcare faces post-pandemic strains and funding debates. With pharmacies proving their worth—from rural prescription delivery to clinical advancements—the onus falls on election candidates to respond. As political manifestos proliferate, the CCA’s detailed blueprint offers a roadmap for a resilient sector, contingent on fiscal commitment.

Neutral observers note the alignment with NHS Wales priorities, though implementation will hinge on budgetary realities. Stakeholders await party responses, with the 7th May vote looming large.