One area of Bristol has lost more pharmacies than anywhere else in the country in the last six years, according to new research. The Bristol East constituency has lost a third of its chemists since 2016, more than any other part of England, according to the Mirror.
And the number of pharmacies across the country has plummeted by 650 during this time, with one in every 18 shutting its doors. Other places which have suffered big losses are Bradford West, Pendle, Torbay and Hove which have all lost between a fifth and a quarter of their high street pharmacies in the last six years.
According to chemists, a mix of high business rates, poor financial recognition for their role and competition from online rivals selling medicine supplies has led to the decline in pharmacies. And they warned the trend would only continue unless the government gives them more support.
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Dr Leyla Hannbeck, chief executive of the Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies, which represents many community chemists, said: “In the past six years, almost 650 pharmacies in England have closed their doors for good – and more are set to follow. Most have disappeared because of the increasing financial burden placed upon them.
"The attitude of our health service towards pharmacies is “something for nothing". They’re asked to do more and more, for no commensurate reward.”
The Department of Health told the Mirror: “We are committing over £2.5billion annually over five years to support community pharmacies in better integrating with the NHS.”
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