Agenda item

Update provided by NHS colleagues

Steven Senior opened the item by explaining the statutory requirement for a Pharmacy Needs Assessment (PNA), which must be undertaken every three years. This assessment is essential for determining whether new pharmacies are needed and for supporting applications to open them. Bury, Oldham, and Rochdale have jointly commissioned the current PNA to ensure consistency and efficiency across the boroughs.

Barry McCann provided a summary of the work undertaken so far, noting that:

• The data collection and analysis have been completed.
• The approach has been standardised across local area teams, which has improved consistency and reduced complexity.
• There is an ambition to extend this standardisation across Greater Manchester (GM), including a GM-wide gap analysis to ensure robust coverage and identify any areas of unmet need.

Barry confirmed that no significant gaps have been identified in the current assessment. The team is now preparing to launch a 60-day consultation period, with surveys ready to be distributed to stakeholders and the public.

A Councillor raised a concern about the Whitefield area, noting that the only pharmacy listed is Asda Pilsworth, which may not provide adequate access for residents. She asked whether the NHS recognises this as a shortfall.

Barry acknowledged the concern and explained that while Asda Pilsworth is technically within the area, its accessibility may be limited depending on transport and location. He clarified that out-of-hours provision is considered within the PNA, and any pharmacy can apply to extend its hours to improve access. If such changes enhance service coverage, they would be supported and not declined. The reduction in 100-hour pharmacy contracts has impacted access in some areas, and this has been factored into the current PNA. These learnings will inform future cycles.

A member asked how the consultation would be conducted and how feedback would be incorporated into the final document. Barry confirmed that the consultation will run for 60 days, and stakeholders will be contacted directly via email. All comments and feedback received will be reviewed, and if any areas are identified as needing improved provision, these will be added to the final version of the PNA.

A member of the committee raised the issue of Besses ward, which is frequently described as a "pharmacy desert." He asked for clarification on how this area is represented in the mapping. Barry acknowledged the concern and confirmed that mapping has been done to identify provision across all wards. He agreed to review the mapping for Besses to ensure it accurately reflects the current situation and to assess whether the area is underserved.

A Councillor added that while there are two pharmacies in the Besses area, but there is no GP practice, which further limits access to healthcare services.

Will responded that while adding a GP practice is challenging due to infrastructure and commissioning constraints, there are ongoing efforts to enhance community provision in the area to help bridge the gap.

It Was Agreed:

·         The update be noted