Have your say on pharmacies in Gloucestershire

Every three years, the Health and Wellbeing Board has to publish, and keep up to date, a statement of the needs for community pharmaceutical services in Gloucestershire. This is referred to as a pharmaceutical needs assessment (PNA). 

The PNA helps to identify whether more pharmaceutical services are needed in the county. The PNA looks at the demographics of the Gloucestershire population, the health priorities of the county, and identifies how community pharmacies can contribute to improving healthcare for Gloucestershire's residents.

Not only do pharmacies dispense prescribed medication to the public, they also provide many other essential services such as the promotion of healthy lifestyles, support for self-care and sign-posting. They play a key role in the community and the PNA gives residents the chance to tell the Health and Wellbeing Board whether more pharmaceutical services are needed in Gloucestershire and in which areas. 

Cllr Mark Hawthorne, cabinet member for public health and communities at Gloucestershire County Council, said “The role of pharmacies has changed significantly in recent years. Through schemes like Pharmacy First, pharmacies play an even more crucial role in supporting people to manage and improve their health and wellbeing.

“I encourage all residents to take part in the survey. Your views will make sure everyone has fair access to pharmacy services and shape the future of pharmacies in the county.”

The consultation opens on Friday 20 December and will close at 5.00pm on Friday 21 February 2025. Have your say by going to https://haveyoursaygloucestershire.uk.engagementhq.com/pharmaceutical-needs-assessment-pna-consultation.