Introduction

This Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA) has been developed by Brighton & Hove Health and Wellbeing Board (HWB) in line with statutory requirements under the National Health Service (NHS) (Pharmaceutical Services and Local Pharmaceutical Services) Regulations 2013.

The purpose of the PNA is to:

  • evaluate the current and future need for pharmaceutical services in Brighton & Hove
  • ensure services meet the needs of the local population
  • support commissioning decisions

It provides a framework for determining the adequacy of pharmaceutical provision and informs decisions about future applications to the pharmaceutical list.

Full report

Read an accessible webpage version of the full report.

Methodology

The PNA was prepared by Soar Beyond Ltd on behalf of Brighton & Hove City Council (BHCC) and overseen by a multi-stakeholder Steering Group.

A structured process was undertaken, including: 

  • comprehensive data gathering on pharmaceutical services and population health needs
  • a public engagement exercise to understand the views on pharmacy access and use (a total of 358 responses were received)
  • mapping of service provision across the city and analysis of service gaps
  • public and stakeholder engagement, including a 60-day consultation
  • consideration of local strategies and statutory duties, including the:
    • Joint Strategic Needs Assessment
    • NHS Long Term Plan
    • Brighton & Hove Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy

Key findings

Brighton & Hove has a population of 279,600 (mid-year estimate 2023) with diverse demographics and a growing proportion of older adults. Health inequalities persist across the city. 

There are 51 community pharmacies, including one Distance Selling Pharmacy (DSP), equating to 18.2 pharmacies per 100,000 population, slightly above the England average (18.1). 

Access to pharmacies is good across the city:

  • 100% of residents who have access to a car can reach a pharmacy within 10 minutes.
  • 98.1% of residents can walk to a pharmacy within 20 minutes
  • 100% of residents can reach a pharmacy within 20 minutes using public transport

Pharmacy opening hours show: 

  • 35% of pharmacies open after 6pm on weekdays
  • 71% of pharmacies open on Saturdays, offering good weekend access
  • 8% of pharmacies are open on Sundays, reflecting broader trends in weekend healthcare access

Advanced Services, such as Pharmacy First, New Medicine Service, Flu Vaccination Service, and Hypertension case-finding, are widely offered, with high uptake among providers. Enhanced Services, including COVID-19 vaccination, are also available. 

Locally commissioned services (such as emergency contraception, supervised consumption, and smoking cessation) are provided across a wide pharmacy network.

No current or future gaps have been identified in the provision of Essential Services, and there is good access to other services across Brighton & Hove.

Conclusion

The 2025 PNA concludes that pharmaceutical services in Brighton & Hove are well distributed and accessible, meeting the current and projected needs of the population. No gaps have been identified in the provision of Necessary Services during or outside normal working hours.

Advanced and Enhanced Services are widely available, and locally commissioned services contribute to improved access and public health outcomes. 

The current community pharmacy network in Brighton & Hove should be supported to strengthen service delivery, particularly through:

  • improved public awareness
  • enhanced uptake of Advanced Services in areas of need
  • alignment with local health priorities