There are now 20 per cent fewer independent community pharmacies in England than eight years ago, according to Department of Health figures. Over the same period the total number of pharmacies has risen by 0.7 per cent (72) to 10,492.
On March 31, 1999, there were 9,782 community pharmacy contracts in England and 710 in Wales. Just over half of them (56 per cent) were held by independent pharmacies or chains of fewer than six. Five more pharmacies closed (56) than opened (51) in England and Wales in 1998-99.
"General pharmaceutical services in England and Wales 1990-91 to 1998-99", Department of Health, PO Box 777, London SE1 6XH (fax 01623 724524).