Agenda item

The Senior Intelligence Manager, Leicester City Council submits an update to the Health and Wellbeing Board on the Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment.

Public Health submitted a report on the Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment 2025 for a approval to proceed to statutory consultation. It was noted that:

·       Health and Wellbeing boards have a statutory duty to complete a Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA) every 3 years to assess current and future pharmaceutical services within their area. It is used to inform planning and commissioning of pharmacy services and to inform decision making in response to applications made to provide a new pharmacy.

Legislation specifies that the document must include:

­   A statement of necessary services to meet current needs.

­   Services required to meet future demand or current needs not currently provided.

­   Recommendations to secure improvements or better access, now and in the future.

­   Additional contextual and supporting information.

·       Slides accompanying the report provided further detail on the required content and methodology.

·       There was a noted higher concentration of pharmacies in certain areas of the city.

·       Leicester currently had 83 pharmacies, equating to approximately 2.2 pharmacies per 10,000 residents.

·       All pharmacies were required to open for a minimum of 40 hours per week, with five pharmacies open for 100 hours.

·       While all pharmacies offered essential services, there was variation in the provision of advanced services, which could require patients to travel further for specific support.

·       The analysis included a pharmacy in Evington that had since closed, as the closure occurred after the data collection period.

·       Recommendations considered equity of access and explored how to encourage pharmacies to open in areas with lower provision.

·       Digital literacy and its impact on service access was also highlighted, alongside the role of pharmacies in broader commissioning strategies.

·       It was proposed that any new policy or funding changes be reviewed and reported to the Health and Wellbeing Board (HWB), with an annual update to be provided.

·       The statutory consultation period would run for 60 days, and subject to approval, the final version would be signed off and published in October.

In discussions with Members, the following was noted:

·       It was noted that the consultation should consider both city and county perspectives, reflecting the needs of individual communities and the pharmacies that serve them.

·       Members highlighted the importance of exploring different consultation models beyond reliance on surveys, suggesting task groups and varied engagement methods to ensure wider participation and ensure the assessment was fit for purpose.

·       The importance of ensuring accessibility was emphasised, particularly in addressing why some individuals attend A&E despite pharmacies being well-placed to provide support.

·       Gaps in provision across the city were acknowledged, and collaborative work with NHS England and other partners was underway to address them.

·       It was noted that a significant proportion of ICB costs related to prescribing, and questions were raised around opportunities to tackle medication waste and improve compliance, including clarity on where responsibility for this lay.

·       Members commented that all pharmacies offered a medicine return service, which could help reduce waste if better utilised.

·       The link between social prescribing and medication use was discussed. It was suggested that supporting people to understand why they were taking certain medications could improve compliance and reduce unnecessary prescriptions.

·       Concerns were raised about medication non-compliance, particularly among elderly patients. Improving understanding of the benefits of medication could help reduce A&E attendance and support better daily living.

·       Positive experiences were shared regarding pharmacist-led medication use reviews, which often provided more time and clarity for patients than GP consultations.

·       Concerns around medication waste had received less attention recently, despite previous focus. Issues such as automatic ordering by pharmacists and lack of patient involvement especially post-pandemic were highlighted as contributing factors.

·       There was interest in potential further investigation into repeat prescribing systems and waste management.

·       Concerns were raised about the withdrawal of dosette box provision for frail elderly people when changing pharmacies. It was suggested that such support should be reinstated in community settings, given its value in supporting medication adherence.

·       Serious concern was expressed over the finding that only one pharmacy in the city provided palliative care support, despite this service being offered more broadly across LLR. This was considered a significant gap in provision.

AGREED:

1.    That members note the report and approve the PNA for the 60 day statutory consultation.

2.    Members will receive an update via email on palliative care support in the city.

3.    Members will receive an update via email on dosette box use by pharmacies.