Calls for more pharmacies in Bracknell are being made by councillors after data revealed the area has one of the lowest numbers in the country.

A BBC report in September ranked Bracknell Forest as having the fourth lowest number of pharmacies per 100,000 people.

With 18 pharmacies across Bracknell Forest, analysis by the National Pharmacy Association (NPA) found the number of these per head has fallen to 12.7.

A ten per cent rise in the town’s population since 2011 has been met with the closure of some pharmacies, while others have reduced their opening hours, according to Councillor Sophie Forster.

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The member for Swinley Forest has urged council leaders to encourage NHS bosses to open more pharmacies in the area.

In a question submitted ahead of a full council meeting on Wednesday, November 27, Councillor Forster wrote: “All our residents needing medication depend on pharmacies.

“Furthermore, the government proposes that pharmacies are to play a much bigger role in relation to diagnosis and prescription going forward. This will be vital to get the NHS back on its feet and delivering the health services we all need.”

The ‘Pharmacy First’ service launched in January 2024, with more than 10,000 NHS pharmacies now offering treatment for seven common conditions.

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The Liberal Democrat added that a town centre pharmacy closes before surrounding GP practices, meaning ‘some patients are unable to promptly collect prescribed medication after visiting their GP’.

Pharmacies voted last week to reduce hours and cut key services due to a ‘decade of underfunding’.

Approximately 8,000 pharmacies who are members of the NPA will take part in the collective action next year.

Councillor Forster will ask the cabinet member for adult services, health and housing to encourage the Frimley Integrated Care Board to ensure there are enough facilities in the borough.

Neighbouring Wokingham ranked as having the second lowest provision of pharmacies in the country, while West Berkshire was found to have the least.

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The NPA, which represents independent community pharmacies, warned that rural areas are becoming ‘pharmacy deserts’.

The representative body warned that people are having to travel further for vital medication and advice.

NPA chief executive Paul Rees said: “These shocking statistics show how a growing number of areas are at risk of becoming pharmacy deserts.

“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.”