Premises closing adds to GP pressure - pharmacist

The government said funding had been made available to support the expansion of pharmacy services

Pharmacists in the South East are warning that the closure of pharmacies is leading to more pressure on overstretched GPs.

Dr Leyla Hannbeck, CEO of the Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies (AIM), said: "The consequences of a raft of further closures would be devastating."

A group of pharmacists from the South East is going to Parliament to demand action, saying a funding crisis is leading the closure of more local branches.

A Department of Health spokesperson said: "We have made up to £645m of new funding available to support the expansion of community pharmacy services."

AIM said six community pharmacists had closed in Kent and Medway since 2021.

Another six had closed in Surrey, with three shutting in Sussex, its figures show.

The association is calling on the government to "properly fund" its flagship Pharmacy First initiative.

Under the scheme, patients with some conditions are encouraged to seek help from a pharmacist instead of their GP.

Dervis Gural, owner of the Healthy-U-Pharmacy in Saltdean, told BBC Radio Sussex: "Our costs have gone up by [almost] 37% from 2020 to 2024.

"We can't find drugs at the cost [the NHS] is reimbursing us.

"This year I have worked for minimum wage."

Closures 'real problem'

Dr Hannbeck told BBC Radio Kent: "When pharmacists close, patients will have to travel further.

"More patients will have to go do the doctor's or end up in A&E."

Stephanie Di Giorgio, an East Kent GP, said: "Community pharmacists have been that dependable and available in areas of high deprivation.

"Pharmacies closing is going to be a real problem, not just for GPs and hospitals but for patients who rely on them."

The Department of Health and Social Care said: "Pharmacy First will free up an anticipated 10 million GP appointments a year.

"Four in five people live within a 20-minute walk of a pharmacy and there are twice as many pharmacies in deprived areas, making access to care quicker and more convenient."

Follow BBC South East on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [e-mail] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.