THERE are ‘no gaps’ in the current provision of pharmacies across Barnsley, according to a report discussed by councillors at a special meeting this week.
Every three years, Barnsley Council must refresh its Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA) which looks at the current provision of community services across the town to assess whether they meet the needs of the population.
It also helps identify any gaps that are currently there.
The council say that the PNA is a key commissioning tool for the NHS to ensure that local areas have high quality community pharmaceutical services to meet local needs.
Following consultation, a draft document has been created and will be discussed by councillors at a special meeting on Thursday.
It states that there are no gaps in the current provision of pharmacies including choice, access and opening hours.
“Barnsley has 49 community pharmacies, which serve a resident population of 244,572.
“This equates to approximately one pharmacy for every 4,991 residents, comparing well against the England average of 4,704 residents per pharmacy.
“There is a comprehensive range of essential, advanced and enhanced services provided.
“There is generally good coverage, accessibility and availability of provision throughout the borough in terms of choice, access, and opening hours, with no gaps in current provision.
“The existing distribution of pharmacies corresponds to where future new housing will be located.
“Population growth may increase demand, but the health and wellbeing wards will monitor, and update as needed.”
And despite the predicted population increase, the report states that pharmacies will continue to meet the needs of local people.
Predictions show that by 2033, Barnsley’s overall population will be 265,868 a seven per cent increase from 2023 estimations.
The number of people aged 65 and over is set to increase by 30 per cent to 64,303 people, the highest rise.
While there will be a two per cent increase in those aged between 20 and 64 and a ten per cent increase for locals aged between ten and 14.
However the Office for National Statistics predicts a six per cent drop for people aged between ten and 14, four per cent drop for five to nine year olds and just a one per cent rise in the number of residents aged up to four.
The report added: “Over the coming years the population in Barnsley is expected to increase, with the largest increases seen in older age groups.
“The number of residents aged 65 and over is projected to increase to 64,303 by 2033 a 30 per cent increase from an estimated 65 and over population of 49,590 in 2023.
“An increase in population is likely to generate increased demand for pharmaceutical services, but on a local level, changes in population size may not necessarily be directly proportionate to changes
in the number of pharmaceutical service providers.
“To facilitate commissioning of pharmaceutical services, responsive to population needs, the health and wellbeing board partners will monitor the development of major housing sites and produce supplementary statements to the PNA if deemed necessary, in accordance with regulations.”
