Cash-crisis chemists on the critical list

A RISING number of people are living in “pharmacy deserts”, experts warn.

Figures show one in five adults has seen their local chemist close in the last 12 months.

Up to 1.6 million people a day visit a pharmacy, which can be a lifeline to vulnerable and sick people, but there are now 1,500 fewer than a decade ago.

And the total of 10,090 chemists nationwide is the lowest level for 20 years.

The National Pharmacy Association urged the Government to resolve a chemists funding crisis they claim is pushing thousands to the brink, with 10 closing every week this year.

Since 2015, 63 per cent of English pharmacies have cut hours due to cash constraints, the NPA says.

On average, they calculate, there has been a 6.1-hour reduction – 10 per cent – in opening hours for every pharmacy.

The largest number of people per pharmacy is in the South East at 6,024, and the East of England at 5,327.

The NPA is warning closures will only “pile pressure on GP surgeries” as Health Secretary Wes Streeting confirmed that the system was “on the brink of collapse”.

Chemists, whose work is more than 90 per cent supported by the NHS, have seen their funding reduced by 40 per cent in real terms since 2015.At the same time, costs of dispensing drugs have been rising.

Paul Rees, NPA CEO, said: “Rising levels of closures are leaving some areas as pharmacy deserts, with people having to travel much further to get access to vital services.

“Community pharmacies act as the front door to the NHS. If people lose access to them, it will force more patients into the 8am scramble at their GP surgery.”