Consultation by: Birmingham and Solihull Health and Wellbeing Board
Healthwatch Birmingham & Solihull responded as a stakeholder to the draft Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA) for 2025–2028. We welcomed its quality and recognition of our Think Pharmacy First findings. We called for greater use of patient experience data and ongoing reviews of geographical coverage, noting concerns about rural and deprived areas like Meriden and Hampton in Arden. We highlighted difficulties accessing information on specialist services and urged clear, accessible formats. We supported expanding community pharmacy services but stressed public understanding and continuity of care.
We welcomed the detail of the draft PNA and recommended increased use of patient experience data, clearer public information, and careful monitoring of access in rural and deprived areas.
Our response
We responded to the draft Birmingham and Solihull PNA to ensure community pharmacy provision continues to meet local needs.
Welcoming strong analysis and local context
We welcomed the PNA’s detailed assessment and reference to our Think Pharmacy First report.
Include more patient experience data
We recommended greater use of patient feedback to complement statistical analysis.
Monitoring access across communities
We raised concerns about access in rural and deprived areas—including Meriden and Hampton in Arden—and recommended ongoing geographical reviews.
Clearer public information
We highlighted difficulties in accessing up-to-date information on specialist services such as the Specialist Palliative Care Drugs service.
Supporting confidence in pharmacy services
We supported expanding pharmacy roles but emphasised the need to improve public understanding and confidence.
| Healthwatch Birmingham and Solihull Response to Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment 2025 to 2028 | Download File (pdf 127.29 KB) |