Independent pharmacies are investing in keeping their premises up to date despite financial difficulties facing some businesses, a survey has suggested.

More than half of pharmacies polled by the Independent Pharmacy Federation (IPF) had undergone a refit in the past five years. A further 18 per cent had refitted within the past 10 years, the poll showed.

More than two thirds of those polled reported that they had invested up to £40,000 in their refits.

The results showed independents were "keeping up to date and providing the right environment for patients and staff", said IPF chief executive Claire Ward.

"Independents need to be at the cutting edge of the sector… so it is good to see that our members are still able to provide a modern pharmacy environment," Ms Ward said.

The findings demonstrate that independent pharmacists are able to offer the right environment for services, she added.