Pharmacy staff have the potential to play a critical role in improving the health of deprived communities by offering convenient and equitable access to health improvement services.
Key messages
Pharmacists are uniquely placed to deliver health services as they are an integral part of their communities. They are often the first point of contact for people accessing health care services, with 95 per cent of the population within 20 minutes walking distance of their local pharmacy.
Pharmacies are not only a valuable health asset, but also an important social asset. This is because often they are the only healthcare facility located in an area of deprivation. Pharmacy staff have the potential to play a critical role in improving the health of deprived communities by offering convenient and accessible health improvement services.
Pharmacies are an important partner in local public health programmes, helping to prevent and detect illness. They have a vital role in ensuring people get the best out of their medicines and promoting health advice for people living with long-term conditions.
Reducing the funding to community pharmacies will have a detrimental effect on vital local health services and the public sector more widely.
