Sandwell Council launches public survey to review local pharmacy services

The feedback will help determine whether there are enough pharmacies in Sandwell offering the necessary services for residents

Sandwell Council is inviting residents to participate in a survey to share their opinions on local pharmacy services.

The survey is part of the Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA), which has been conducted every three years since 2013.

The feedback collected will assist in updating the report that evaluates the community's pharmacy needs, the location and offerings of local pharmacies, and identifies any gaps in services. The PNA also provides recommendations for improving pharmacy services.

Councillor Jackie Taylor, Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for adult services, health and wellbeing, emphasised that the survey helps ensure that “there are enough pharmacies in Sandwell offering the services people need.”

“Residents may not know what provision is available from pharmacies that they can get instead of waiting for a GP appointment and we would like to understand how many residents are aware of this service and use it or, if not, why not?”

“Pharmacies are important for keeping our community healthy. I encourage everyone in Sandwell to take the survey and share their views about local pharmacies and the services they provide,” she said.

Residents have until Friday, 7 February 2025, to complete the survey and have their say.

Since 1 April 2013, the Health and Social Care Act 2012 has required every Health and Wellbeing Board in England to publish and maintain an updated statement of pharmaceutical service needs.

The Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA) helps guide the commissioning of pharmaceutical services based on local priorities and is used by NHS England in making decisions regarding the opening of new pharmacies.

An analysis by the National Pharmacy Association (NPA), published in September 2024, revealed that nearly nine in ten council areas across England have lost vital pharmacies in the past two years.

The body warned that many rural areas risk becoming “pharmacy deserts” if the current closure rates continue.