Pharmacies face closure through financial pressure

HEALTHCARE bosses have warned that pharmacies in Northumberland face closure because they lack financial viability.

- JAMES ROBINSON

Despite the fact that Government funding has increased, there remains a gap between running costs and profits that makes it difficult for pharmacies to remain viable.

Northumberland County Council officials have previously warned that while funding problems are experienced nationally, issues in the county are exacerbated by the rural nature of the area.

While no pharmacies have closed since an assessment was carried out last year, Tuesday's meeting of the council's health and wellbeing scrutiny committee was told that it is likely that there will be closures in the future.