Respect Matters: Supporting Our Community Pharmacy Teams
Wednesday 30th September 2026
Community pharmacies are at the heart of our local communities. Every day, pharmacy teams provide expert advice, dispense medicines, offer clinical services, and support people when they need healthcare most. Often, they are the first point of contact for patients seeking help and reassurance.
As part of the Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework (CPCF) 2026/27, community pharmacies will be taking part in two national health campaigns and two locally agreed campaigns. The first national campaign shines a spotlight on an issue that affects many healthcare professionals across the NHS: respect for pharmacy teams.
Respect for Pharmacy Teams Campaign
📅 5 October to 25 October 2026
This campaign is about recognising the valuable contribution pharmacy teams make and reinforcing a simple but important message: everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.
While pharmacies deliver an increasing range of NHS services, many team members continue to experience abuse, aggression, and unacceptable behaviour from members of the public. Such incidents can have a significant impact on staff wellbeing and their ability to provide safe, effective care.
The campaign aims to raise awareness of these challenges while encouraging positive interactions between patients and pharmacy teams. A culture of mutual respect helps create a safer and more supportive environment for both staff and the people they care for.
How Pharmacies Can Get Involved
Pharmacies are encouraged to support the campaign by:
- Displaying campaign posters and leaflets in pharmacy premises.
- Sharing campaign messages through websites and social media channels.
- Including key messages in patient communications and newsletters.
- Engaging patients in conversations about the important role pharmacy teams play in local healthcare.
A range of resources has been developed by NHS England and Community Pharmacy England to help pharmacies promote the campaign effectively and consistently.
Why This Matters
Behind every prescription, consultation, and healthcare intervention is a dedicated team working hard to support their community. By treating pharmacy teams with courtesy and respect, we can help ensure they continue to provide the high-quality care that patients rely on every day.
Let’s use this campaign as an opportunity to celebrate the contribution of community pharmacy teams and reaffirm our commitment to creating safe, respectful environments for everyone.
Wednesday 30th September 2026
