Several common medications including aspirin, co-codamol, and ramipril are currently in short supply in numerous NHS trusts across England, according to recent confirmations from hospital sources. Aspirin appears to be the most widely affected, with 26 out of 42 responding NHS trusts reporting low stock levels. Meanwhile, 13 trusts have indicated shortages of co-codamol.
A spokesperson for the Society for Acute Medicine, which represents hospital doctors, highlighted the challenges posed by these shortages. They explained that “medicine shortages can disrupt treatment and create additional pressure for clinical and pharmacy teams.” Emphasising the importance of reliable logistics, they added: “The key is ensuring resilient supply chains, timely communication and access to suitable alternatives so patient care is not delayed.”
From the government side, a Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) spokesperson acknowledged the limited supply of ramipril and outlined measures being taken. “We are aware that ramipril is in limited supply, which is why we issued serious shortage protocols to ensure patients in the UK can still access necessary medication,” they said. The spokesperson also confirmed ongoing efforts to collaborate with suppliers to resolve issues affecting co-codamol and aspirin, ensuring continuity of supply.
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The DHSC emphasised that the majority of licensed medicines in the UK remain well supplied and highlighted robust measures set up to mitigate disruptions for patients. They noted that the government is making a “significant investment in the UK medicine manufacturing industry to manage supply disruptions where they occur.”
Further commentary from RCP President Tase Oputu pointed to the sustained nature of medicine shortages. Oputu noted that “pharmacists spend hours tracking down medicines when more of their time and expertise could be spent advising and treating patients.” She called for urgent actions to bolster medicine supply and to provide pharmacists with increased flexibility to make straightforward amendments to prescriptions during shortages, facilitating safe and timely access to required medicines for patients.
In summary, while shortages of aspirin, co-codamol, and ramipril are affecting a number of NHS trusts, various stakeholders emphasise ongoing work to manage the situation and ensure patients continue to receive essential medicines without undue delays.