Agenda item

To receive a report updating Members about developments since the publication of the Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment in September 2022.  The report will be presented by Anne Everden, Public Health Pharmacy Adviser.

Members received a report updating them about developments since the publication of the Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment in September 2022.  The report was presented by Anne Everden. Public Health Pharmacy Adviser.  (Copy attached to the signed minutes.)

Members were informed that the Health & Wellbeing Board was unable to prevent a pharmacy closure as this was a commercial decision, however, it could judge whether the closure was likely to leave a significant gap in the service.  The situation regarding a proposed closure of the Lloyds Pharmacy operating in Sainsbury’s supermarket in Manor Walks, Cramlington was explained along with the other pharmacy provision in the town.

The following issues were raised:-

•       A great strength of local pharmacies was that medication could be reviewed along with guidance on how to use it.  Online services did not allow this and could result in medication being issued which was not needed or being used.

•       Much of the Primary Care Recovery Plan for general practice included wider use of pharmacies but if simultaneously there were fewer pharmacies and some that were struggling to manage demand for prescriptions to then add on the demand of consultations would add further problems.  It was important to be cognisant of these issues.

•       It was noted that the problem was being experienced by all Health & Wellbeing Boards and there was a need for the issue to be raised at a national level.

•       Christine Wardlaw commented that the 100 hour pharmacies were going to have the option of reducing to 72 hours and it was likely that many would do this for financial reasons. It was suggested that most of the prescriptions would be requested during normal (9 to 5) working hours.  There would be gaps between 6 pm-11 pm.  Realistically, how many people were accessing the later services and how many were genuinely urgent?  There may need to be a return to the GP surgery having a small supply of medication to see a patient through until the next morning.  Pharmacy 2000 could not offer face to face services and realistically a prescription would not be supplied for at least 24 hours.  There would be gaps in enhanced services outside normal hours. 

Members were informed that Healthwatch had been asked to assist in gathering information about the patients using the 100 hour pharmacy when other pharmacies were closed to help determine the gap in services when the pharmacy closed.  Derry Nugent, Healthwatch, presented the results to the Board (copy attached to the signed minutes) as follows:-

•       Healthwatch had used its ‘Enter and View’ powers under the Health & Social Care Act to carry out a series of engagement activities within Lloyds in Sainsbury’s in Cramlington.  The process was ongoing but had already provided a very good flavour of what patients were experiencing and their aspirations for pharmacy services in Cramlington.

•       The survey was focusing on the out of hours service.

•       150 patients had responded to the survey with over 70 responses being received within the first 24 hours.

•       80% had heard of the closure and 57% used it for regular prescriptions.  66% knew how to change pharmacy and 31% indicated that they would go to the Boots Pharmacy at Manor Walks.  Only 5 patients would use Lloyds or other online service.  33% of weekday users stated that they went after 7 pm.  25% had not thought about what they would do following the closure.

•       Regarding the impact of the closure, the biggest concern was people’s access to a pharmacy outside their working hours.  Many needed access outside core opening hours because it was convenient for them, but also because some had complex caring duties.  Additional pressure would be placed on other pharmacies and could add to the already large queues at the Boots Pharmacy.

•       It was vital that the reality of what the closure meant for patients and carers was understood.

•       There was a need for an Inequalities Impact Assessment and care should be taken not to design services for people to fit into rather than services that fitted into people’s lives

The following issues were raised:-

•       A pharmacy dispenser machine was being successfully used by a pharmacy and allowed repeat prescriptions to be collected at any time.  This allowed patients the flexibility they needed and was popular, safe and secure.

•       The need for an Equalities Impact Assessment was supported as it was those who were going to be disadvantaged the most that were of the most concern.  Opportunities for other ways of delivering the services may be able to be considered going forward.

•       The Regional Group of Directors of Public Health were discussing with the ICB Executive about pharmacy issues and it was hoped that this would extend to a national level. 

•       The reduction in hours from 100 to 72 may result in some pharmacies becoming marginally more viable and may help to stem a number of closures. 

RESOLVED that

(1)    the new developments and the action being taken to mitigate against the risks to Northumberland residents be noted.

(2)    a report be presented to the August meeting providing an update of the situation at that time.