At a meeting of the Health and Wellbeing Board, Knowsley Council’s Public Health Team provided an update on the draft Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA) following the recent public consultation.
The board approved the draft consultation and the full and final PNA will now be published.
What is a Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment?
Every three years, Knowsley’s Health and Wellbeing Board must assess the borough’s pharmacy services. This is a legal requirement under the NHS Act 2006 and the Health and Social Care Act 2012.
The PNA helps:
- NHS England decide where new pharmacies should open
- Plan health services across the borough and identify gaps
- Ensure pharmacies are accessible and meet the changing health needs of residents and those working in Knowsley
Residents were able to provide their views via a survey which took place between November and December 2024.
A further 60-day consultation took place between June and August and this included partner organisations such as:
- Local pharmacy and medical committees
- NHS trusts and neighbouring councils
- Healthwatch and community groups
- GP practices and Primary Care Networks
What are the key findings of the Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment?
The 2025–2028 PNA found that Knowsley’s current pharmacy services are adequate for the population now and into the near future.
This is based on data collected, including:
- Pharmacy locations and opening hours
- Population size, density, and health needs
- Travel times by walking, cycling, public transport, and driving
- Comparisons with other areas such as Chesire and Merseyside, and national averages
The Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment found that pharmacies are well-distributed across Knowsley and many offer extended hours, including evenings and weekends.
This was reflected in feedback from residents collated during the public survey, which showed that most residents are happy with pharmacy services and hours. Although there was a desire for weekend opening hours to be expanded further.
The Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment also found a few changes across the borough since the previous PNA was published. These include:
- Population growth
- Increase in prescription volumes (although less than other areas in both Chesire and Merseyside and the North West)
- Only one pharmacy closure—lower than average compared to other regions
- Some pharmacies reduced hours due to regulation changes
What happens next?
The Health and Wellbeing Board will approve and publish the final PNA by 1 October 2025. The report will be available online via Knowsley Council.
A steering group will monitor changes and issue updates if needed (e.g. pharmacy mergers or changes in opening hours).