Research says that pharmacies should provide a wider range of health services because of their place within the community.

The Durham University study suggests 89 per cent of England’s population live within a 20-minute walk of a pharmacy, with this increasing to 100 per cent in deprived areas.

While some pharmacies already provide extra services like blood-pressure checks, diabetes screening and lifestyle advice, it is dependent on whether local health bosses will fund them.

The Lead Author Dr Adam Todd said, “These results show that pharmacies are well placed in the community to deliver public health services. With easy access without patients having to make an appointment, the results suggest there is a potential for community pharmacies to deliver public health interventions in areas which need it most.”

English Pharmacy Board chair Dr David Branford said, “The less formal approach and sheer convenience provided by a High Street presence means they are a beacon of wellbeing and advice to many who would simply never engage with other healthcare settings.”

Last year, NHS England suggested that up to a fifth of GP appointments could be dealt with by pharmacies or through better self-care.