The Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies is changing its name to the Independent Pharmacies Association (or IPA) and opening its membership to all independent pharmacies.

The Association says the switch, which has yet to be reflected on its website, will “provide a clearer identity and afford a strong voice to the thousands of independent pharmacies in England and Wales”.

In a bid to broaden its reach, the IPA says membership will not be confined to those with multiple branches, as AIMp required, but be open to all independents. It says this is “in response to demand from independent community pharmacists for an association that properly represents their interests”.

Provocatively, the IPA says it “will not primarily be an insurance organisation with membership attached. It will be fighting for and representing its members across all fronts. Independent community pharmacies do not operate the same business models as the large chains. They are not health and beauty, sandwiches and snacks-on-the-go retailers first, supplying medicines and prescriptions second”.

Independent pharmacies account for approximately 68 per cent of the sector in England and the large chains 29 per cent, says the IPA. “Yet the latter are over-represented on the board of Community Pharmacy England. The country’s independent pharmacies struggle to make themselves heard and their needs are often overlooked.”

The IPA says its strategy is to ensure its members can thrive, and are fully supported and represented. David Vanns, IPA chairman, said: “Our businesses are set up very differently to others in the sector. For independent brick and mortar contractors, supplying NHS prescriptions, and services and treatments via the new NHS Pharmacy First scheme, is their priority.

“Our growing membership is a testament to our organisation’s dedication to speak up with courage and conviction on behalf of independent community pharmacies and offer them the support they need. We will press the cause of all independents and ensure they are properly represented on CPE and to the external stakeholders and decision-makers.

“We’re always happy to work closely with the NHS to relieve pressure in other areas, but it is only right that we are treated with respect and that we are paid accordingly. From now on, the IPA will be making certain that is the case.”

The joining fee and membership benefits other than representation could not be confirmed at the time the name change was announced. 

NPA responds

The NPA’s chief executive, Paul Rees, responded by calling for unity in the sector. “At a time when pharmacies are under such intense pressure, they need us to focus on the fight against the broken contract and unfair funding, which is damaging so many,” he said.

“We need unity in the sector and not split the voice of independent pharmacies when we need to concentrate on winning better funding and ending the closures. That’s our focus at the NPA.

“As the largest membership body for community pharmacies, we’re proud to support the majority of independents across the UK. Our focus is entirely on making a powerful case for pharmacies, in public, with government and opposition and with the NHS,” he continued

“All the key people we need to influence tell us they want a clear, united voice from our sector so they can make the case for better funding. Let’s be clear, we will work with all our colleagues within our sector – anytime, anywhere – in the interests of unity to end pharmacy closures and end the misery of unfair and inadequate funding.”

Story updated 12:57pm