Issue - meetings

– Proposed refresh – Duncan Vernon

Duncan Vernon provided an update on the Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA) in Warwickshire. The Health and Wellbeing Board had a legal responsibility to keep an up-to-date statement around the needs for services from community pharmacies. The last PNA was published in March 2018 and was due for refresh by March 2021. It concluded that the number and distribution of the current services were sufficient, but highlighted areas of significant development and population growth, for which additional future pharmacy provision would need to be considered.

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent pressure on resources NHS England extended the deadline for publication of the PNA by one year to March 2022. To maximise the resources available and align with local planning footprints, it was proposed to work with Coventry City Council on the PNA, as previously.  The key milestones for the proposed consultation and production of the new PNA were outlined in a table within the report. These might be subject to change if there were further impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Resolved

1. That the Board notes the update on the Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA) for Warwickshire.

That the Board agrees the process for Warwickshire to conduct its revised PNA in partnership with Coventry City Council, noting the potential impact of the COVID-19 response on timescales.