Issue - meetings

To consider a report giving information about the forthcoming refresh of the Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment.

Joe Prince/Paul Scott (20 mins)

The Board considered a report regarding the Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA) refresh which will take place in October 2022.

Paul Scott (Public Health Consultant) and Joe Prince (Insight Manager) presented the report and highlighted the following issues:

·  The proposed PNA will be the second revised assessment of local pharmaceutical services since the Health and Social Care Act 2012 amendment.  The current assessment was published in 2018.

·  Planning has started on the production of the PNA to be published by 1 October 2022.

·  Three pharmacies have closed in the B&NES area and need will be assessed based on recent guidance and data from NHS England.

·  The timetable for key milestones was outlined.

The following issues were then discussed:

·  The PNA document focusses mainly on structure, looking at the number of pharmacists per head of population.  It considers the estate rather than process and looks at gaps in provision.  It was acknowledged that it is important to ensure the correct capacity is available.

·  A consultation will take place over the summer (during June and July 2022) and feedback will then be considered.

·  Healthwatch could assist with the public consultation process.

RESOLVED:  To note the proposals for the revision of a full Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment by 1 October 2022.