The challenge
NECS was commissioned by Sunderland City Council in November 2021 to produce a comprehensive Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA) programme to meet its statutory obligations, identify any gaps in pharmaceutical services provision and inform commissioning decisions regarding pharmaceutical services for the local population across the ICS.
The aim of the two-year programme was to work with Places, Local Care Partnerships and Primary Care Networks (PCNs) to use a PHM approach to help reduce existing health inequalities and improve health outcomes for the local populations.
Our response
- Gathering quantitative data including health needs, pharmacy provision and demographics future projections to give a comprehensive understanding of the needs of population (current and future) and current provision.
- Undertaking stakeholder engagement including surveys and the statutory consultation to gather qualitative insights from residents, service providers and partner organisations.
- Gap analysis to identify where services may not be adequate to meet local needs and to identify opportunities for service improvement
- Producing consultation version and final PNA including maps and data visualisations and actionable recommendations.
- Data analysis and interpretation – using techniques including the Community of 1000 andGIS mapping to consider pharmacy provision in relation to factors such as population density and deprivation.
- Stakeholder mapping and engagement techniques to ensure meaningful involvement as part of the process.
- Project and programme management – using ISO9001 tools and techniques.
Outcomes
- Successfully delivered a high quality PNA in advance of the national deadline and re-commissioned to provide support to produce 2025 PNA.
- Ensured compliance with all statutory regulations and requirements.
- Provided actionable insights to inform decision making.
- Worked closely with partner organisations in the city to build a shared understanding of the important role community pharmacy plays in the helping to improve local health outcomes.
“Responsive to queries and very easy to work with. It was great to know that issues would be sorted and efficiently dealt with. Pharmaceutical support was essential and extremely valuable as this was a big gap in the public health team.”