Agenda item

The meeting considered a report on the final draft of the Barnsley Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA) for approval and publication by 1^st April, 2018.  The meeting noted the requirements to undertake a PNA and the work across South Yorkshire to develop this for 2018-20.  The Assessment concluded that Barnsley had good coverage across the Borough for pharmaceutical services in terms of choice, access and opening hours, and the meeting noted that this coverage had not deteriorated since the previous PNA.

The meeting noted the importance of community pharmacies in improving health and reducing health inequalities through a range of activity.  Board members commented on the importance of better promotion of this role, particularly acknowledging the concept of pharmacies becoming the neighbourhood health and wellbeing hub.  The meeting noted concerns that this focus was lost in the event that Barnsley became reliant on a small number of larger companies providing pharmacies.

RESOLVED that the Barnsley Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment for 2018-2020 be approved for publication.