Warrington’s Health and Wellbeing Board is in the process of developing an updated Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment for the borough. Residents are now being invited to read the draft assessment and share their views to help ensure the assessment reflects local need, both now and in the future.
A Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA) is a statutory document that describes health and wellbeing need and the provision of pharmacy services. The PNA is used by NHS England when they are reviewing any applications for new pharmacy provision or approving any changes to existing contracts. In developing the PNA, the Pharmaceutical Regulations require that local health leaders undertake a formal consultation on a draft of its PNA. The consultation draft is available to view on the council’s website at warrington.gov.uk/PNA
Cllr Maureen McLaughlin, cabinet member for housing, public health and wellbeing, said: “Your local pharmacy is a good first point of contact for dealing with the vast majority of health concerns. It can often be the first place people turn to when they have a concern about their health or that of their family.
“Pharmacists can give you expert advice to help with minor health conditions such as a cough, cold, or a sore throat, they can help you to manage some long-term health conditions, and provide vaccinations such as the annual flu jab.
“This is why it is important we look into the needs of our population and how pharmacies can continue to meet these needs. I want to ask everyone to get involved and take a look at the PNA and share their views which will help us to shape the future of services in Warrington.”
How to get involved
The consultation will run from Monday 4 April to Friday 10 June 2022. All feedback must be provided using the consultation questionnaire.
If you would like to request a paper copy of the document or the consultation questionnaire, or would like the documents in another format, please contact the public health business unit. Email PublicHealthBusinessUnit@warrington.gov.uk or call 01925 443322.
If you would like help to complete the consultation questionnaire, please contact Healthwatch Warrington at Contact@healthwatchwarrington.co.uk or call 01925 246 893.