We get many inquiries asking for advise on opening a new retail pharmacy. As anyone who has looked into this can testify to, the biggest hurdle is finding an area where an application stands a chance of succeeding.
From 1st April 2013, every Health and Wellbeing Board (HWB) in England was given the statutory responsibility to publish and keep up to date a statement of the needs for pharmaceutical services of the population in its area, referred to as a pharmaceutical needs assessment (PNA). These are relevant when the NHS local area team decide if new pharmacies are needed, in response to applications by businesses, including independent owners and large pharmacy companies. Applications are keenly contested by applicants and existing NHS contractors and can be open to legal challenge if not handled properly.
- PNAs should include pharmacies and the services they already provide. These will include dispensing, providing advice on health, medicines reviews and local public health services, such as stop smoking, sexual health and support for drug users.
- It should look at other services, such as dispensing by GP surgeries, and services available in neighbouring HWB areas that might affect the need for services in its own area.
- It should examine the demographics of its local population, across the area and in different localities, and their needs.
- It should look at whether there are gaps that could be met by providing more pharmacy services, or through opening more pharmacies. It should also take account of likely future needs.
- The PNA should also contain relevant maps relating to the area and its pharmacies.
It goes without saying that these are lengthy documents which if reviewed thoroughly can take some time. So when a client asks for advice on where best to apply for a new contract it really is a needle in a haystack situation. This is not to say a new retail pharmacy contract is not possible but a lot of research must be done before the application process can begin. PCL can help with both the research and the application!
One way many are choosing to get around this situation is by opening a Distance Selling Pharmacy (DSP). As things stand at the moment DSP’s are exempt from PNA requirements.
A DSP
- must provide the full range of essential services during opening hours to all persons in
England presenting prescriptions;
- cannot provide essential services face to face;
- must have a responsible pharmacist in charge of the business at the premises throughout core and supplementary opening hours;
- must be registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC);
- must have premises within the PCT’s area
As long as these conditions are met you have a very good chance of being granted a NHS contract!
If this is something you would like to consider contact us for more information and consider attending one of our monthly training workshops.