Consultation launched into future pharmaceutical needs in Somerset
As of January 2025, there were 91 community pharmacies and 23 dispensing GPs in Somerset
A consultation has been launched by Somerset Council - into the current and future needs of pharmacies in the county.
It's called the Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA) is produced by Public Health Somerset, with the main purpose of the consultation working to understand if a new report covers the necessary information, and correctly represents pharmaceutical services in Somerset.
The main purpose of the PNA is to support NHS England, Somerset Integrated Care Board, and Somerset Council in their commissioning, and supporting decisions around encouraging or permitting new pharmacies to open.
You can read the draft report here.
As of January 2025, there were 91 community pharmacies and 23 dispensing GPs in Somerset.
The gap analysis shows that the distribution and opening times are generally appropriate, and services are commissioned in ways that largely cover the county.
Lead Member for Public Health, Climate Change and Environment Cllr Graham Oakes said: “Based on the information we have available, there are no gaps identified in current pharmacy provision in Somerset.
"But your views on this will be invaluable and we invite anyone with relevant information to participate in this consultation to help us shape our assessment.”
The consultation can be found here and it will close on Monday 16 June, 2025.