Councillor Highlights Pharmacy Access Challenges in Bracknell Forest

A borough councillor has stated that residents are experiencing “increasing difficulty” in accessing pharmacies. Sophie Forester, a member of Bracknell Forest Council, has urged her fellow councillors to advocate for the Frimley Integrated Care Board (ICB) to establish additional pharmacies within the locality. Ms. Forester drew attention to research conducted by the National Pharmacy Association, which indicated that Bracknell Forest possesses one of the lowest ratios of pharmacies per 100,000 patients. An evaluation is scheduled to commence this month to determine if a scarcity exists in the region. Ms. Forester affirmed her commitment to “definitely” lobby for enhanced provision. She stated, “The message we are receiving as councillors from residents on the ground is that access to pharmaceutical provision is increasingly difficult.” Conversely, a prior pharmaceutical needs assessment (PNA) concluded that the borough was “well served,” noting 18 pharmacies within Bracknell Forest and an additional 14 located within a one-mile radius. The current PNA is anticipated to conclude in approximately six months. Following its completion, it will be presented to Bracknell Forest Council’s health and wellbeing board before being forwarded to NHS England. Since 2011, Bracknell Forest’s population has increased by 10%, leading many local residents to contend that the expansion of housing has not been accompanied by a corresponding provision of additional services, such as pharmacies and GP surgeries. The National Pharmacy Association’s findings indicated that Bracknell had the fourth lowest count of pharmacies per 100,000 people. West Berkshire registers the lowest pharmacy provision nationwide, with adjacent Wokingham ranking as the second lowest. The association issued a warning that rural regions are evolving into “pharmacy deserts,” compelling individuals to undertake longer journeys for essential medication and guidance. It stated that pharmacies were “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.” BBC Berkshire is available for follow on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC holds no responsibility for the content found on external sites. Information on our external linking approach is accessible.