People in east and north Birmingham have their say on pharmacy services

NHS chiefs are asking residents across east and north Birmingham to share their views on pharmacy services in their area. 

NHS Birmingham East and North commissions and looks after services that people get from their local pharmacy (or chemist). The NHS regularly reviews these services in a process known as a Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA). The PNA is a document that assesses the need for pharmaceutical services in the area, used to help the NHS plan pharmacy provision for the population by identifying where efforts in commissioning services should focus. 

As part of this work, NHS Birmingham East and North is asking patients, the public and community groups to have their say on the PNA document and its findings. The consultation, which is now underway, builds on the outcomes of a pre-consultation back in the summer, including the results of a questionnaire. 

The PNA document will be available on the internet at http://benpct.nhs.uk/pharmacyneeds until the consultation closes on 31 December. People can also complete the online survey on the web page. 

Nicola Benge, Director of Health Improvement at NHS Birmingham East and North, said: “We really want and value the input of residents in understanding how people use their local pharmacy and in helping to shape what we might provide in the future.   

“When available, we will share the results of the consultation on the NHS Birmingham East and North website.” 

If you would like more information about the consultation or would like a paper copy of the PNA document, call Phil Clark on 0121 380 9107 or email phil.clark@benpct.nhs.uk.