A new pharmacy is needed in Calcot, after the area was deemed to be one of the more deprived areas of the district resulting in an inequality gap in life expectancy.
Calcot is in urgent need of a new pharmacy, as it has been identified as one of the most deprived areas in West Berkshire, contributing to a significant inequality in life expectancy.
This gap emerged following the closure of a Lloyds Pharmacy on Bath Road within Sainsburys.
The recent Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA) submitted to the council's health board highlights that while West Berkshire generally enjoys good health, those in deprived areas face shorter life expectancies compared to their more affluent counterparts.
According to the assessment, "Provision of pharmacy services, including Pharmacy First, can help to address these inequalities." It states that filling the gap in pharmacy services in Calcot would be beneficial for local health.
On average, West Berkshire pharmacies dispense 8,962 items a month, surpassing the South East’s average. Notably, Wash Common Pharmacy and Mortimer Pharmacy lead in volume, dispensing 17,557 and 17,272 items respectively.
The government’s 10-year plan aims to enhance the role of community pharmacies within the new Neighbourhood Health Service. In response, West Berkshire leader Jeff Brooks urged the health board to focus on improvements, expressing that the board should act proactively rather than just reviewing reports. He posed the challenge of whether West Berkshire should promote home delivery services, warning that as more companies offer prescription deliveries, pharmacies may see a decline in demand.
The PNA also reviews the demographics and health needs of the West Berkshire population, capturing local residents' views on pharmacy services. It assesses whether current pharmacies meet local needs and identifies potential future gaps in service provision.
West Berkshire is home to 16 community pharmacies and seven dispensing GP practices, with an additional 10 pharmacies located within a mile of its borders.
Niki Hinman, Local Democracy Reporter
