What is a Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA)?
The Brent Health and Wellbeing Board, hosted by Brent Council, is responsible for producing a Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA) every three years, as required by the government under the NHS.
A PNA is a report that identifies the current pharmaceutical service needs in the area. It highlights any gaps in existing services and suggests areas for improvement in future pharmaceutical service provision. The assessment is developed with input from a multi-agency steering group, key stakeholders, and the public, ensuring that a wide range of perspectives help shape the final report.
Download the 2025 Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA).
Whilst we have made every effort to make this documents accessible, if you encounter any issues or need an alternative version please email Pharmacynotifications@brent.gov.uk
What are Pharmaceutical Services?
Pharmaceutical services are one of the many services currently provided under the NHS by community pharmacies and include:
- dispensing of medicines and appliances on prescription
- sale of medicines to the public
- providing advice to the public on medicines, coping with ill health or general
- health and well being
- receiving waste medicines for safe destruction
Who will use the Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment?
A Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA) is mainly used by Health and Wellbeing Boards, NHS England/Integrated Care Boards, and local authorities to plan and commission pharmacy services. It helps decide where new pharmacies are needed, supports service planning, and informs commissioning of public health services. Pharmacies use it to spot opportunities, while patients and the public can see whether local needs are being met. It is a key tool for shaping access to pharmacy services.