This report seeks the approval of members for the publication of the 2025 Herefordshire Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA) on 1 October 2025 (the statutory deadline).  The statutory 60-day consultation period for this PNA ended on 2 September 2025.  Members are asked to note the consultation report (appendix 1) and to delegate final approval for publication to the PNA working group.

Ryan Davies presented the slides ‘Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA) 2025’, under the headings: Context and Process; Gap Analysis; Conclusions; and Recommendations.

The principal discussion points included:

1.           All pharmacies were required to provide essential services, including: dispensing of prescriptions; dispensing of repeatable prescriptions; disposal of unwanted medicines; promotion of healthy lifestyles; signposting people who require advice, treatment or support to relevant providers; support for self-care; and discharge medicines service.

The Chairperson questioned the extent to which dispensing practices in rural areas provided services beyond basic dispensing.  Some of the challenges for dispensing practices were noted, including building space constraints.

2.           Zoe Clifford commended the work undertaken on the PNA, as it provided a comprehensive summary of the current state of play in Herefordshire.

3.           There was a brief discussion about the potential role of pharmacies in the development of neighbourhood health services.

4.           There was also a brief discussion about the challenges for patients and family members in ordering prescriptions.  It was reported that the ongoing development of the NHS App was helping to streamline processes and provide access to records, albeit recognising the need to promote digital health services and address barriers to access and use.

Resolved:  That

a)      the Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA) Draft Main Document (appendix 3 to the report) and its key statements and recommendations be noted;

b)      Consultation Report (appendix 1 to the report) be noted; and

c)      the PNA be approved in principle for publication on 1 October 2025, with final approval delegated to the PNA working group.