Mapping Pharmacy Deserts: Areas Struggling for Access in England and Wales

A recent analysis by the National Pharmacy Association has highlighted significant challenges in accessing community pharmacies across England and Wales. The study reveals that since 2016, approximately 1,400 pharmacies have permanently closed, with many of these closures concentrated in economically disadvantaged areas, leading to the emergence of what are being termed “pharmacy deserts.”

The findings show that three-quarters of the top 50 areas experiencing pharmacy closures have above-average poverty levels. This trend is alarming, particularly as around 90% of council areas have reported at least one pharmacy closure in the past three years. The situation has intensified since 2016 when funding cuts for pharmacists were implemented by the government.

Liverpool has been identified as the city with the highest number of pharmacy closures, closely followed by York. Other areas notably affected include Blackpool, Wakefield, Coventry, and Kingston Upon Hull, all ranking in the top ten for closures since October 2022. The analysis also identifies West Berkshire as the most pronounced pharmacy desert, having the lowest number of pharmacies per capita, with Wokingham following closely behind.

Impact on Healthcare Access

The repercussions of these closures are significant, particularly for vulnerable populations. According to Henry Gregg, chief executive of the National Pharmacy Association, the current landscape is the most challenging it has been in two decades. He stated, “Access to vital medication and care for patients is getting worse.” Gregg emphasized the troubling reality that many deprived communities, which have the greatest health needs, are suffering disproportionately from the wave of closures.

In the last decade, one in ten pharmacies has shut down, further straining healthcare access. The National Pharmacy Association has indicated that the reduction in pharmacies is piling additional pressure on already overstretched general practitioners (GPs).

The recent funding increase delivered by the Labour Party marks the first substantial financial support for the pharmacy sector since 2014. The government has allocated £617 million over two years to facilitate the expansion of the Pharmacy First scheme. This initiative allows patients with seven common conditions—such as sinusitis, sore throat, and uncomplicated urinary tract infections—to access treatment directly from a pharmacist, alleviating some of the burden on GPs.

Community Health and Future Efforts

In its inaugural year, the Pharmacy First scheme provided consultations for five million patients in England who would have otherwise sought GP appointments. The most common condition addressed was sore throat, with approximately 836,000 patients treated this way.

Dr. Wendy Taylor, health chair at the Local Government Association, expressed concern regarding the findings, stating, “These new findings are concerning and highlight a deepening challenge in access to vital healthcare services in the communities that need them the most.” She underscored the integral role pharmacies play in community health, particularly in areas facing significant deprivation.

Despite the positive steps taken by the government, Gregg cautioned that this needs to be just the beginning of a longer journey to restore and enhance pharmacy services. As NHS leaders continue to advocate for the utilization of the Pharmacy First initiative, the focus remains on ensuring that communities can access the essential healthcare services they require.

The landscape of community healthcare is at a crossroads, and without decisive action, the trend of pharmacy closures could have lasting implications for public health in England and Wales.