Have your Say on Local Pharmacy Services across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin

News from our partners at Shropshire Council and Telford & Wrekin Council.

Shropshire Council and Telford & Wrekin Council are calling on residents to take part in a survey that will help shape the future of community pharmacy services across Shropshire, Telford, and Wrekin.

The survey forms part of the Pharmacy Needs Assessment (PNA) that takes place every three years. The feedback from the survey will be instrumental in understanding ways to improve the pharmacy services available to in Shropshire and Telford and Wrekin communities.

About the Pharmacy Needs Assessment (PNA)

The PNA evaluates the availability and range of pharmacy services in communities and determines what is necessary to meet the health needs of the community. The PNA considers various factors, including the location of pharmacies, the range of services they offer, and the ease of access for the community. This assessment is crucial for NHS organisations and the local authorities in deciding whether new pharmacy services or premises are required. The ultimate goal is to ensure that everyone in the community has access to the right pharmacy services, in the right places.

Have your say

Both local authorities are eager to hear resident’s thoughts about the pharmacy services near them. Your feedback is invaluable and will help us shape the Pharmacy Needs Assessment (PNA) to ensure that local pharmacies effectively meet the needs of our residents.

Survey questions include how often residents visit pharmacies, their mode of transport, preferred service times, and their overall experience with local pharmacy staff and facilities. Additionally, we are interested in knowing which services are currently used and which additional services would be beneficial.

The goal is to collect opinions that will help evaluate and improve the quality and accessibility of local pharmacy services. This feedback is vital for understanding the present state of services and identifying areas for improvement to better meet the community’s health needs.

Councillor Cecilia Motley, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health at Shropshire Council, emphasised the importance of community input in shaping local services, saying: “Your feedback is crucial in helping us understand the current landscape of pharmacy services and where improvements are needed.

“By participating, you are contributing to the betterment of healthcare services for everyone in Shropshire and helping us improve the quality and availability of pharmacy services in Shropshire. Together, we can ensure that our community has access to the best possible healthcare resources.”

Councillor Paul Watling, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care & Health Systems at Telford and Wrekin Council added: “We are deeply committed to the well-being of our community in Telford and Wrekin and we understand that accessible and efficient pharmacy services are a cornerstone of public health. By sharing your experiences and insights, you are helping us identify strengths and gaps in our current services. Together, we can create a community where everyone has access to the right healthcare resources, at the right time, in the right place.”

Councillor Kelly Middleton, Cabinet Member for Public Health & Healthier Communities at Telford and Wrekin Council continued: “We encourage all residents to participate in this vital survey. Your voice is a powerful tool for change, and your feedback will guide us in enhancing the quality and accessibility of pharmacy services. By engaging with this process, you are not just shaping the future of pharmacy services; you are actively contributing to a healthier, more connected community.”

Residents are invited to take part in the survey here.

Pharmaceutical contractors are also being asked to take part in separate survey.

Deadline for both surveys is Friday, 28 February 2025.

Thank you for your support and contribution to the Pharmacy Needs Assessment.