The number of pharmacies in contract with the National Health Service in England
and Wales fell by 11 to 10,486 during 1999-2000.
During the year, 26 pharmacies opened and 37 closed. Most pharmacies that closed
(68 per cent) were less than 500m from another pharmacy; 96 per cent of those
that opened were at least 500m from another pharmacy and 73 per cent were more
than 1km away.
During the year ending March 31, 2000, 287 pharmacies received financial support
under the Essential Small Pharmacies Scheme.