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Understanding Buckinghamshire

Buckinghamshire Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment 2018-21

The Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA) is a comprehensive assessment of the current and future pharmaceutical needs of the local population and considers whether there are any gaps to service delivery in Buckinghamshire.

Health and Wellbeing Boards have a legal duty to produce, consult and publish a PNA for their area every three years. In order to inform the PNA, Buckinghamshire Health and Wellbeing Board established a Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment Steering Group. A 60 day statutory consultation was under taken and responses were used to inform the final conclusions published. The Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (2018-2021) was approved at the Buckinghamshire Health and Wellbeing Board on 29 March 2018 and is available for download below.

The PNA concluded that Community pharmacies in Buckinghamshire are well distributed, are accessible and offer a convenient service to patients and members of the public. They are available on weekdays and at the weekend (often until late at night) without the need for an appointment.  While there is no requirement for any new pharmacy premises to provide essential services, there are opportunities available to maximise existing and future advanced and locally commissioned services.

The results of the Healthwatch Bucks’ survey indicate that awareness of the various pharmaceutical services that are on offer varies widely. By advertising and utilising the skills of community pharmacists, significant health improvements can be made to help reduce health inequalities.

If there are any changes to pharmaceutical services before the next refresh, supplementary documents may be attached, which then become part of the PNA. Please email HWB@buckscc.gov.uk if you have any queries about the PNA. 

Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment 2018 Report

2018 Maps

Last reviewed: 14/09/2022