The number of pharmacies in Bolton has increased over the past two years, new figures reveal, despite hundreds shutting down across England. An analysis by the National Pharmacy Association found pharmacy closures have disproportionately affected deprived and rural areas. It warned people in these areas will now have to “travel longer and longer distances to get hold of the medication they need”.
The figures show there were 74 pharmacies in Bolton this year – up from 73 two years ago. Bolton was one of the only six areas with more pharmacies this year than two years ago. The analysis also reveals 87 per cent of council areas in England have seen the closure of at least one pharmacy in the past two years.
Paul Rees, chief executive of the NPA, said a growing number of areas are at risk of becoming “pharmacy deserts”, with people in rural areas having to travel longer distances to get hold of the medication they need. “Many pharmacies are on the brink because of a decade of real term cuts, creating a material threat to the security of medicine supply in some areas if closures continue,” he said. “It is also deeply concerning to see higher levels of pharmacy closures in deprived council areas, which has undermined government efforts to tackle health inequalities after the pandemic.
” The figures highlighted regional disparities, with the most pharmacy closures recorded in the North West – 81, while only 27 shut down in the East Midlands. Mr Rees said: “The G.