New Assessment highlights Pharmacy needs in West Berkshire

The West Berkshire Health and Wellbeing Board has approved a new Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA), which will guide local pharmacy services from 2025 to 2028.

This important document helps ensure that residents across West Berkshire have access to the pharmacy services they need, now and in the future. It examines how well current services meet local needs and whether changes are necessary as our population grows and health needs evolve.

The latest assessment shows that most communities in West Berkshire are well served by pharmacies, with additional support from dispensing GP practices in rural areas. However, it did identify a gap in provision in the Calcot area.

Councillor Nigel Foot, Chairman of the Health and Wellbeing Board, welcomed the findings saying,

"I'd encourage everyone to take a look at the assessment to see how local pharmacies are supporting our communities. We're lucky to have excellent pharmacies across West Berkshire, and I'm pleased to see that new ones are on the way, including two in Newbury and a proposed one in Calcot, which would help fill the gap identified in the report if it is approved.

"While the PNA focuses on planning and access, it doesn't cover day-to-day issues like waiting times or medicine shortages. However, the Board is aware of these concerns. It continues to work with local pharmacies and GP surgeries to improve services. Initiatives like the Pharmacy First scheme are helping pharmacies play a bigger role in supporting residents' health."

What is a Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment?

A PNA is a legal requirement for every Health and Wellbeing Board in England. It examines the current and future needs of the local population and assesses whether pharmacy services are adequately equipped to meet them. NHS England uses the PNA to decide whether new pharmacies should be allowed to open or if existing services need to change.

It's reviewed every three years and takes into account factors such as population growth, changes in health needs, and access to services.

The Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment 2025-2028 is available to download from the West Berkshire Observatory website here.