Testing the temperature for pharmacy needs in Kent

How often do you use your local pharmacy? Does your town need more? These are some of the questions being put to Kent residents in a new consultation out now.



Pharmaceutical Needs Assessments (PNAs) are used by commissioners such as Kent County Council and local NHS Clinical Commissioning Groups to identify local health needs that could be addressed by these services, and by NHS England to decide whether to approve applications for new pharmacies in an area.

Residents and health professionals are being asked for their views in a brief questionnaire. KCC Interim Director of Public Health, Andrew Scott-Clark said:

The important role that pharmacists can play is highlighted in a NHS England campaign out this week which is urging people feeling under the weather this winter to visit their local pharmacy for quick, early advice. The 'feeling under the weather?' campaign is also highlighting the benefits of getting treatment for coughs and colds straight away, before they get worse. This is especially important over the winter months – when people are more likely to become ill or feel poorly.

Going to the pharmacy early will give you access to medication and advice on common ailments, but they can also:

• provide expert advice to manage long term conditions and let you know if you need to see your GP or make a hospital appointment;
• give you advice on how to care for an elderly relative or friend who has a bad cough, trouble breathing, cold or sore throat.

Dr Bruce Warner, Deputy Chief Pharmaceutical Officer for NHS England, said:

The consultation runs from 5 November until 5 January 2015. You can respond to the consultation online or request a hard copy by emailing PNA@kent.gov.uk or calling 03000 00 5214.

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