Newham PNA Report  

Background
The National Health Service (Pharmaceutical and Local Pharmaceutical Services) Regulations 2013 requires Local Authorities to develop and publish a Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA) every three years (or earlier where significant changes have occurred) by each area covered by a Health and Wellbeing Board (HWB). The last PNA in Newham had been published in 2018

What was the problem?
This PNA was undertaken during a time of uncertainty about how pharmacy services will develop in the next three years. The NHS Long Term Plan (LTP) states that “Pharmacists have an essential role to play in delivering the “Long Term Plan”. They state that “The funding for the new primary care networks will be used to substantially expand the number of clinical pharmacists” and “To make greater use of community pharmacists’ skills and opportunities to engage patients, while also exploring further efficiencies through reform of reimbursement and wider supply arrangements”. The LTP also includes ways in how community pharmacy and pharmacists can support the changes.

How did PHAST help?
PHAST was commissioned by the Newham council to develop its PNA and consult and engage with stakeholders. Public involvement in commissioning enables residents to voice their views, needs and wishes, and to contribute to plans, proposals, and decisions about the services available in their local communities. The National Health Service Act 2006 (as amended by the Health and Social Care Act 2012), CCGs and NHS England have duties to involve the public in commissioning (under sections 14Z2 and 13Q respectively). The local authorities also have a duty to consult and involve residents in planning and commissioning.

What was the impact?
PHAST found that pharmacies in Newham have responded to the changing needs of the community. They are willing to provide many additional services if commissioned. Many are willing to provide additional services privately and some are already doing so. Throughout COVID, Newham Community Pharmacies remained open and went above and beyond to support their local community. They had a number of pharmacy vaccination sites step up and administer COVID vaccinations. This has shown what Community Pharmacy can deliver when it is commissioned and remunerated appropriately.