A poll by the Association of Convenience Stores (July 2024) ranks pharmacies as the number one most essential service for local people
“The ACS noted that pharmacies became more important than ever before during the pandemic and have held on to that standing with local people”
““This latest Community Barometer is a timely reminder that pharmacies are a local lifeline for many people, which enrich communities across the country and provide vital healthcare for millions of people”
Post Offices, pharmacies and convenience stores have made up the top three services to make a positive impact in communities since the ACS’ annual ‘Community Barometer’ began a decade ago.
“These services are incredibly important to all demographics locally, provide jobs for local people, and make people feel good about where they live,” the report states.
The ACS noted that pharmacies became more important than ever before during the pandemic and have held on to that standing with local people.
National Pharmacy Association chief executive Paul Rees, said:
“This latest Community Barometer is a timely reminder that pharmacies are a local lifeline for many people, which enrich communities across the country and provide vital healthcare for millions of people.
“The tragedy is at a time when pharmacies are move valued than ever, they are closing at a record rate of 10 per week, with more than 1,400 having closed over the last decade, due to an ongoing funding crisis.
“Each closure represents a sad loss to the community the pharmacy served and leaves a hole in the high street.
“The new government needs to honour the pledges made by Labour in the lead up to polling day to stop the closures and ensure pharmacy is properly supported. This would enable pharmacies to play a central role at the heart of primary care and help cut GP waiting times.”
Other outlets in the ACS poll include coffee shops, hairdressers, gyms, restaurants, banks, pubs and petrol stations.