# Pharmaceutical needs assessments: information pack

Source: https://www.keypedia.com/records/uk_mhra_guidance/uk-mhra/08c849e9-dd3a-42d3-907e-4d9ad8d31576
Type: Guidance
Published: May 8, 2013
Updated: July 31, 2025

> This regulatory guidance document outlines the statutory obligations for Health and Wellbeing Boards (HWBs) regarding the development and publication of Pharmaceutical Needs Assessments (PNAs). Under the established regulatory framework for the National Health Service in England, each board is mandated to assess the specific requirements for pharmaceutical services within its local jurisdiction and publish a formal statement of these findings. The guidance serves as a comprehensive manual for compliance, defining the scope of pharmaceutical services and specifying the minimum information that must be included in every assessment to ensure legal validity. Key required actions for HWBs include the regular revision of these assessments, adherence to strict publication timelines, and the execution of mandatory consultation processes with relevant stakeholders. While this text does not detail a specific company inspection or individual violations, it establishes the standards against which board performance is measured. Boards must use this information pack to ensure their assessments are robust and meet all legislative requirements for service planning. Failure to follow these protocols would represent a breach of statutory duty. The document provides a structured approach for HWBs to evaluate local health needs and ensure the adequate provision of pharmacy services to the public.

---

## Content

Each health and wellbeing board (HWB) must assess needs for pharmaceutical services in its area, and publish a statement of its first assessment and of any revised version. The information pack: gives the legislative background outlines what the term ‘pharmaceutical services’ includes in relation to PNAs outlines the minimum information that must be in PNAs expands on what the legislation says about the publication and updating of PNAs explains the consultation requirements outlines matters to consider when making assessments

## Attachments

- [Pharmaceutical needs assessments: information pack for local authority health and wellbeing boards](/government/publications/pharmaceutical-needs-assessments-information-pack/pharmaceutical-needs-assessments-information-pack-for-local-authority-health-and-wellbeing-boards)