LloydsPharmacy has announced plans for a “withdrawal” from all of its supermarket branches “later this year”.

In a statement released today (January 19) the company described the move as a “response to changing market conditions” that was decided following a “strategic review”.

 The future of their roles is as yet unclear, as Sainsbury’s has not indicated whether it plans to maintain the sites as pharmacies once Lloyds exits a relationship that began in 2016 when it bought the sites. Pharmacy Network News has approached the supermarket chain for clarification.

The multiple said: “LloydsPharmacy is currently exploring options for each individual branch, which means that the timeline and plans will vary on a branch-by-branch basis.

“It remains committed to its colleagues and is doing all it can to support them through the process.” 

Potentially hinting that many of these sites will no longer function as pharmacies, the company added: “A recent review of the affected branches confirmed that almost all customers will be able to access pharmacy services from nearby local alternatives from within a mile or less.”

It directed patients to its own website and the NHS website for information on where they can access alternative pharmacy services.

LloydsPharmacy chief executive officer Kevin Birch said: “This decision has not been an easy one and we understand that our patients and customers may have questions about how the change will affect them.

“We would like to thank them for their continued support and assure them that we are committed to providing a smooth transition over the coming months.

“I am very grateful to all our colleagues for their dedication to our patients, customers and communities.”

The UK’s second largest pharmacy multiple has battled financial difficulties for several years, posting losses of £100m in the 2021-22 financial year.

In 2021 it was bought for £477m from previous owner McKesson by asset management group Aurelius, down significantly on its 2014 sale price.

There has been speculation that a significant portion of the wider LloydsPharmacy estate will also be sold off during 2023.