Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Director of Public Health.

NHS England have informed Stockport Health and Wellbeing board of two pharmacy closures in May 2023 and June 2023 and as a result the Stockport Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA) Project Group have undertaken a review of an impact of these closures and have drafted a supplementary statement to the 2022 PNA signalling an additional pharmacy need.

The report summarises the findings of this review and the contents of the supplementary statement for approval by the Stockport Health and Wellbeing Board.

The Board is recommended to approve the draft Supplementary Statement to the Stockport 2022 PNA.

Officer contact: Eleanor Banister on 0161 474 2447 or email: eleanor.banister@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Director of Public Health submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) summarising the findings of the review of the impact of two pharmacy closures in May 2023 and June 2023 by Stockport Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA) Project Group and outlines the contents of the supplementary statement to the 2022 Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment signalling an additional pharmacy need for approval by the Stockport Health and Wellbeing Board.

The following comments were made/issues raised: -

·         It was noted that the supplementary statement to the 2022 Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment had been considered at the ONE Stockport Health & Care Locality Board in May and at the meeting there was agreement from the Board that the closures would be a carrier to people accessing timely care and potentially place increased pressure on other services. It was commented that the Locality Board had agreed that the Chair of the Board would write to NHS England copying in Greater Manchester ICB colleagues to express their concern and the need to address the issues in a timely manner.

·          It was commented that the Board endorsed the concerns raised by the ONE Stockport Health & Care Locality Board.

·         It was noted that there were a number of other pharmacy closures within Greater Manchester.

·         It was suggested that NHS England be recommended to discuss with other pharmaceutical chains who may wish to expand their presence in Stockport in place of these closures.

·         In response, it was stated that NHS England would be working with the pharmaceutical market to highlight the need for a provider and address the market gaps, and the Council would continue to work with NHS England to address the challenges.

RESOLVED – That the draft Supplementary Statement to the Stockport 2022 Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment be approved.