Pharmacy services in North Tyneside

Report 1: PNA Evidence Gathering Report  – Views of Pharmacy Services in North Tyneside

Healthwatch North Tyneside was asked by North Tyneside’s Health and Wellbeing Board to gather evidence of experiences of pharmacy services in North Tyneside, to inform the review of the Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment. This is produced every three years based on how local people say they use pharmacy services and how they would like to use them in the future. We heard from 346 local residents. This report provides a detailed summary of the findings and has been used to prepare the draft Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment 2022.

Report 2: Insights into Experiences of Pharmacy Services

Over the last two years, Healthwatch North Tyneside has collected people’s experiences of pharmacy services in the area. Over 400 people have shared their views through specific surveys and consultations, and we have also gathered information through our day to day work. This report summarises the general feedback that we have heard and covers issues wider than the Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment report and makes the following recommendations that will be considered by the new Integrated Care System structures when responsibility for pharmacy commissioning moves from NHS England. Our report makes the following recommendations:

• Access to pharmacies could be improved, particularly for those working office hours, by ensuring a spread of pharmacies across the borough that provide extended opening, lunchtime services – and publicising these.
• Wider promotion of the range of services offered by pharmacies.
• Staff should be aware of people’s concerns over privacy, especially at busy times, and offer use of a consulting room.
• Where possible, synchronise prescriptions for people with multiple items on different repeats or collecting for those they care for.
• Monitoring medication/stock shortages and setting up processes to facilitate access to alternatives.
• Ensure busy times are managed effectively and seating is available. Consider fast track queue for prescription collection, query box for later response etc.
• Consider suggestions for provision of additional services including: dressing changes, trials of health monitoring devices and disability equipment, C-Card for young people to access free condoms, B12 injections, mental health support, and free dosette service.
• Consider supporting local pharmacies to offer a free delivery service.