Agenda item

The Acting Strategic Director of Public Health introduced a report seeking formal approval of the Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA) for Slough for 2018 to 2021.

The PNA was a statement of the needs for pharmaceutical services for the population in the area and set out the current provision and any gaps in provision.  The document had last been agreed in March 2015 and it was requirement for a PNA to be agreed before 1 April 2018.  The Board discussed the consultation and stakeholder engagement process that had been undertaken.  The relationship with the national consultation on over counter medication and the promotion of self-care was also raised.  It was noted that the PNA was based on needs and access on the current position, however, there were other activities through the prevention programme and Sustainability & Transformation Programme which aimed to increase self-care and reduce the pressures on primary care.

At the conclusion of the discussion, the PNA was agreed.

Resolved –

(a)  That the PNA for 2018 to 2021 be formally approved.

(b)  That the final PNA and appendices be published on Slough Borough Council’s website and be accessible for the lifespan of the report (until 31st March 2021).

(c)  That it be noted that if local pharmaceutical services change between now and 31^st March 2021, such as the opening hours, address of premises or needs of the local population, then the Council would need to publish supplementary statements to the PNA; and

(d)  That it be noted that if other significant changes occurred which impacted on the need for pharmaceutical services during the lifetime of the PNA it may result in the need to refresh the PNA.  No such changes were expected.