Help inform the development of our draft Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA) for 2025-2028
This engagement has now finished. We will review findings and use them to inform the Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment, due to be published for consultation in Spring / Summer 2025.
What are pharmaceutical services?
In Kent, pharmaceutical services are provided from dispensing GP Practices (a GP Practice which can dispense medicines to patients under certain conditions), pharmacies (also known as chemists, and includes your local supermarket pharmacies and online / internet pharmacies), and appliance contractors (providers of specialist medical appliances such as stoma products). Pharmacies provide healthcare support and advice and are often the first point of contact when people are concerned about their health.
What is the Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA) and why are we seeking views?
The PNA is a report of the current needs for pharmaceutical services. It is used to identify any gaps in current services and improvements that could be made to better meet the health needs of Kent residents. We want to make sure that pharmaceutical services provided in Kent are accessible and meeting your health needs.
The PNA will be used by NHS England, Kent County Council (KCC), and the Integrated Care Boards to decide whether to approve the opening of new pharmacies and inform commissioning decisions related to other services that could be delivered by pharmacies and other providers.
The Kent Health and Wellbeing Board have a statutory responsibility to publish a PNA at least every three years. KCC is supporting the Board to undertake the latest PNA and have asked a company called Soar Beyond to help us develop it.
A Medway PNA will be produced separately by the Medway Health and Wellbeing Board.
How can you tell us your views?
We welcome your views and experience on current pharmacy services.
Your answers will help us accurately assess areas where pharmacies are already fulfilling your needs well and areas that need improvement. Responses to the online questionnaire are confidential.
If you are a pharmacy contractor or a dispensing practice doctor, you can complete our questionnaires for service providers.
Paper copies of the questionnaires are also available on request. Contact details can be found in the 'Who's Listening' section on this webpage.
The deadline for completion is Friday 13 December 2024.
We will use your feedback to help develop our draft of the Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment which is expected to be available for public consultation in Spring / Summer 2025.