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.