PATIENTS are being put at risk by medicine shortages that are leaving pharmacies unable to fulfil prescriptions at least once a day, health leaders have warned.

The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has called on the government to urgently grant pharmacists greater flexibility to substitute medication when safe to do so.

Currently, patients must return to their GP to obtain a new prescription if their prescribed medication or dosage is out of stock unless a serious shortage protocol has been issued by the NHS.

In January, Lancashire coroner Christopher Long wrote to Health Secretary Wes Streeting after two-year-old Ava Hodgkinson died from sepsis caused by delays in receiving antibiotics.

He highlighted how restrictions had prevented a pharmacist from amending her prescription for an out-of-stock product.

The NPA said the rules must change quickly, adding that revisions currently being considered by the government are too limited in scope.

Its survey of 500 pharmacies found that all of them had been unable to dispense at least one prescription a day due to supply problems.

NPA chairman Nick Kaye described the findings as “deeply concerning” and warned that patients were potentially being forced to go without vital medication.

“Pharmacies are at the sharp end of medicines shortages and frequently have to turn away distressed, frustrated and sometimes angry patients,” he said.

“We’re pleased the government are taking steps to bring together manufacturers, wholesalers and pharmacies to try and tackle this issue.

“However, the government must look again at allowing pharmacists, who are highly trained healthcare practitioners, to use their professional judgement to supply an appropriate alternative when the prescribed version is unavailable.”

A spokesman for the Department of Health and Social Care spokesman said it would work with the sector, “making better use of the skills of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, to build a service fit for the future.”