Pharmacy Voice responds to the Department of Health’s consultation on Joint Strategic Needs Assessments and Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategies

Pharmacy Voice has responded to the Department of Health’s consultation on Joint Strategic Needs Assessments and Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategies.

Rob Darracott, Chief Executive of Pharmacy Voice said:

 

“It is disappointing that there is no mention of Pharmaceutical Needs Assessments (PNAs) in the document.  Joint Strategic Needs Assessments (JSNAs) must be aligned with other assessments such as PNAs. This guidance is incomplete and it sets local authorities up for duplication of effort.

In Pharmacy Voice’s response to the consultation, the following comments are made:

 

  • The NHS Commissioning Board should have regard to community pharmacy when discharging its functions and clinical commissioning groups and health and wellbeing boards should consult with community pharmacy when developing commissioning plans. These commitments, as outlined in the passage of the Health and Social Care bill need to be embedded into local health services and these should be incorporated into the processes for development of JHWSs and JSNAs.
  • Pharmacy Voice requests that the NHS Commissioning Board supports Health and Wellbeing Boards in contributing to Joint Strategic Needs Assessment and joint Health and Wellbeing Strategies by integrating effective Pharmaceutical Needs Assessments into these to ensure the local population gains maximum benefit from community pharmacy services.
     
  • HWBs need to understand the role and capabilities of community pharmacists and their staff. We would be happy to work the Department of Health on specific advice for HWBs on these matters.

 

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