New research published by Pharmacy Voice has shown that pharmacy closures could have a ‘catastrophic’ impact on deprived communities.

The YouGov poll, commissioned for Dispensing Health Equality, revealed that if faced with the closure of their local pharmacy, one in four people who would normally use their pharmacy for common ailments advice would make a GP appointment instead. However, the figure rises to four in five people in areas of high deprivation.

The research suggests that an increase in appointments would put untenable pressure on GPs in all parts of the country, but especially in areas that find it difficult to attract GPs in the first place.

Dr Mark Spencer, GP and co-chair of the NHS Alliance, said that the pharmacy closures and increased pressure on GPs would be “catastrophic if the areas that most need it are deprived of access to this crucial community asset”.