Mr. Gareth ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what research his Department has evaluated into the financial savings to the NHS of healthcare advice provided by community pharmacists; and what estimate he has made of the impact on NHS costs of the closures of community pharmacies over the last three years. [33475]
§ Mr. MilburnPharmacists provide a most useful service to the community through the provision of advice, particularly on minor or common ailments. We have made no evaluation of potential financial savings to the National Health Service of healthcare advice given to patients by community pharmacists.
The overall number of community pharmacies in England and Wales has remained virtually unchanged over the last three years. It is difficult to estimate the cost, if any, to the NHS of any particular closures that have occurred during this period.
§ Mrs. OrganTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what data his Department has collected on the numbers of people without access to public transport who use community pharmacies. [33741]
§ Mr. MilburnNone.