Growing financial pressures has dented pharmacists' confidence, despite an anticipated increase in profits in the current year, latest Lloyds Bank Healthcare Confidence Index revealed on Tuesday (November 9).
Though short-term confidence among pharmacists increased for the fifth consecutive year, ticking up from 27 to 29, the sector's long-term belief fell from -34 to -42.
Martyn Kendrick, UK head of healthcare banking services at Lloyds Bank, said: "While pharmacists' confidence has declined somewhat, their short-term outlook has improved for another year, painting a picture of a sector that has begun to bounce back."
He added that "pharmacists have performed an invaluable service during the lockdown, confirming their place at the heart of our communities."
The index, a survey of pharmacists, GPs and dentists, has run annually since 2011 and gives a detailed overview of the sector.