Healthwatch England has today published data from its report “Pharmacy – what people want”, highlighting frustrations from patients when their local pharmacy is closed permanently, or temporarily without advance notice. The research provides the first geographical breakdown of pharmacy closures in England. In response to the report, Tase Oputu, RPS England Board Chair, said:

“Pharmacies play a vital role in our communities, providing essential healthcare services that have become more in demand as pressures on the NHS continue to grow.

“These findings highlight the urgent need for sustainable funding and workforce planning to ensure patients are not left without access to medicines and support. Warnings of pharmacy closures must be taken seriously to ensure patients can continue to access a resilient pharmacy network.

“Pharmacists are vital in supporting the best use of medicines and the Government and NHS should reflect on how this is prioritised to protect the future of community pharmacy services.”

Read the data.

Read the full report: Pharmacy – what people want.

Read more RPS news stories.