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Hallo Healthcare has announced its decision to exit from its hospital pharmacy sites, currently operated by LloydsPharmacy Healthcare Services (LP HCS Limited), which primarily provides outpatient services. Pharmacists and their teams at its 64 pharmacy sites were informed on Monday, 19 August 2024, about the company's plans to withdraw from this sector. The Pharmacists' Defence Association (PDA), the recognised trade union representing pharmacists at these sites, was also notified. The association has assured its support for members impacted by the decision, although it noted that the process of branch transfers could take several months. "It is expected to be several months before all such branch transfers are agreed and undertaken," the PDA said. The association noted that contracts to provide such services "do change hands periodically with some hospital outpatient departments (OPDs) operated by pharmacy multiples and others operated by hospital-owned subsidiaries" and highlighted its experience in supporting pharmacists when employers change in this way. PDA Union Director Paul Day is hopeful that there will be no job losses in outpatient services and that all pharmacists will be able to continue in their current roles.