Under the old system, one of the final task of the now defunct PCTs was to complete a Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment for the relevant local areas. These PNAs now play a critical part in the determination of market entry applications and are used in determining both routine and exempt applications made to NHS England.
Each PNA reviewed the provision of access to pharmaceutical services in the given areas thus creating a definitive statement as to whether there existed any gaps in the market. For many areas, the number of local pharmacies, the recent influx of 100 hour pharmacies and the variety of services available meant there existed very few in the current provision of service. PNAs also included comments on any future needs or identified needs based on the health demographics and outlook of the local community. For those of you that have read a PNA, you know exactly what I am talking about. For the others, further details can be found here.
Many clients have communicated their thoughts to us on the existing PNAs with some expressing that the content is dated and irrelevant as of now. Of course, needs change and pharmacies change and if the PNA determines market entry then change becomes critical for potential market entrants.
By law, all local Health and Wellbeing Boards are required to update and publish the new PNA by April 1, 2015 and many will commence working on the process and content early next year. We are aware of some Health and Wellbeing Boards that have also assigned key responsibilities and put a progress plan in place.
For those of you that want to have your say on the new PNAs, contact your Health and Wellbeing Board and ask questions and provided your opinion if possible. You should also have access to a public screening period to be sure to find out when this is.
If you want to be heard then speak to your Health and Wellbeing Board and speak soon as many of these projects have started/will start in the near future.
What do you think of your local PNA?
How will you become part of the consultation process?
Antony Boonen can be contacted on 01252 302 342 or [email protected].