Three in four pharmacists have patients who have recently lost their medical cards, despite their poor circumstances or severe illness, according to a new survey.

Over 100 pharmacists took part in the survey, which also revealed that Government cutbacks have resulted in major challenges for the sector.

Some 86% of pharmacists said that they believe that these cutbacks directly impact their ability to look after their patients and 64% feel this is the biggest challenge facing pharmacists today.

A further 28% feel that the biggest challenge is the rise in the number of patients with financial difficulties.

Meanwhile, the survey also found that many pharmacists would like to have enhanced roles, for example, almost half said they would like to have a bigger role in chronic disease management for conditions such as diabetes.

The survey was carried out by Helix Health, which has just launched details of the 2014 Pharmacist Awards. Patients and members of the public can nominate a pharmacy in the ‘patient nominated' category here