The pharmacy network is "a precious resource" for the UK's healthcare system, according to the National Pharmacy Association (NPA).

A combination of expertise with medicines, trustworthiness and accessibility means that pharmacists have the potential to positively impact the lives of many, the association claims.

NPA chief executive John Turk says "huge strides" have been taken to improve the infrastructure of community pharmacy.

One such development is the wider availability of private consultations in a confidential area, he adds.

Mr Turk expresses confidence that community pharmacy is successfully working with the government, local health authorities and the public "in concerted effort to improve access to primary healthcare".

Earlier in November, he commented that increased public investment in community pharmacy would mark "a shift to more equitable health provision".

A lack of available treatments for patients in some areas of the UK continued to be a problem, he suggested.