Cllr Price found that other councillors were not aware that this was the case either. "They went to the doctor on a Saturday evening, and they were referred to an out-of-hours GP, who gave them a prescription. Following changes to NHS pharmacy regulations in 2023, pharmacies operating under former 100-hour contracts were permitted to reduce their opening hours. "At the same time, community pharmacies have faced significant challenges including workforce shortages, rising operating costs and pressures on NHS funding. "As a result, a number of pharmacies across Greater Manchester, including Bolton, have reduced their evening and weekend opening hours.