Pharmaceutical needs assessment 2025

Proposal

Introduction

We're inviting members of the public and our stakeholders to have their say on Shropshire's Draft Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA) 2025.

The production and publication of a PNA became a statutory requirement in the Health Act 2009. Following the abolition of primary care trusts (PCTs) in 2013 this statutory responsibility was passed to health and wellbeing boards (HWBBs) by virtue of the National Health Service (NHS) Pharmaceutical and Local Pharmaceutical Services (Amended) Regulations 2013, which came into force on 1 April 2013. The requirement is to publish a PNA at least once every three years; there have been four previous PNAs in 2011, 2015, 2018 and 2022 (the deadline was extended due to the impact of Covid-19). This PNA is due to be published by 1 October 2025.

The PNA should highlight the needs for pharmaceutical services in the area, detail the current provision of services, identify gaps and unmet needs and in consultation with stakeholders make recommendations on future developments that are required. The PNA will be used by organisations including integrated care boards (ICB) and Shropshire Council to plan and commission future services. 

The PNA is a key document used by local area teams to make decisions on new applications for pharmacies and changes to services or relocations by current pharmacies, and is also used by commissioners reviewing the health needs within their area and to identify if any services can be commissioned through community pharmacies.

Pharmacies play an important role in the health system, and not just in the dispensing of medicines. They now provide additional clinical services, and as they're one of the first points off contact they can improve people's health and wellbeing and also reduce health inequalities. There are more pharmacies in Shropshire than there are GP practices, and they're more accessible, including for those who might not otherwise access health services.

Shropshire HWBB considers community pharmacies to be a key public health resource and recognises that they offer potential opportunities to commission health improvement initiatives and work closely with partners to promote health and wellbeing.

The purpose of the consultation is to identify the views of the statutory consultees, other stakeholders and members of the public on whether the PNA addresses the necessary and important issues.

A short questionnaire has been produced to gather feedback. The consultation will run for nine weeks, closing on 26 August 2025. Please take time to look at the draft (attached to this page) and complete the consultation survey, which you can access by clicking on the ‘How to get involved' tab at the top of the page.