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New research has shown that more people live within a 20-minute walk of a community pharmacy than within a 20-minute walk of a GP surgery. 

The percentage of the population living within easy walking distance from a pharmacy is 89 per cent and in deprived areas, the figures are even higher at 100 per cent.

The study, from the University of Durham, showed that 89 per cent of the population live within easy walking distance of a pharmacy. In deprived areas this figure rises to 100 per cent. These findings demonstrate that the often-quoted inverse care law, where good medical care is most accessible to those who need it least, does not apply in the case of community pharmacy, said Pharmacy Voice.

This research provides further evidence that, with easy access and no need to make an appointment, community pharmacies are exceptionally well-placed to help tackle some of the major public health concerns putting pressure on the health service, said PV director of policy Elizabeth Wade.