Peterborough located in the East of England is known for its rich history, diverse communities, and vibrant economies. The area encompasses a mix of urban and rural landscapes. Rurality can create challenges for local transport and access to services. Peterborough also has lower life expectancy and poorer health than the national average, most prominently in the densely populated city centre.
A Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA) is a comprehensive evaluation of the pharmaceutical services required in a Health and Wellbeing Board area. It aims to identify gaps in service provision and ensure that the community has access to necessary pharmaceutical services. The PNA assesses current services, anticipates future needs, and provides recommendations to improve the availability and quality of pharmaceutical services.
The regulations governing PNAs are designed to ensure that pharmaceutical services meet the needs of the local population. It considers the health needs of the population, and the pharmaceutical services that can support health needs, and therefore identifies any gaps in service deliver over a 3-year period. The findings from the PNA must be published and used to inform decisions about the commissioning and provision of pharmaceutical services.
Key conclusions
- There are sufficient pharmaceutical services across Peterborough.
- Peterborough has 13.8 pharmacies per 100,000 population. This is lower than the England average of 20.8 per 100,000. However, this figure does not include dispensing doctors which are more predominant in rural areas, although it is noted that dispensing doctors provide fewer services than community pharmacies.
- As of April 2025, there are 132 pharmacies and 35 dispensing GP practices in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. These are spread across the five Cambridgeshire districts and Peterborough, with a greater concentration in city and town centres. In addition, there are 3 dispensing appliance contractors and 3 distance selling pharmacies.
- There is a good distribution of pharmaceutical services in areas of high population density, and in areas with more significant health needs (i.e. areas with a high population density of older people, and in areas of deprivation).
- A reasonable distribution of pharmacies exists with extended and weekend opening hours in all localities. Sunday opening is less accessible, with fewer community pharmacies open on Sundays. However, Sunday services are still accessible in each locality.
- Based on the evidence available at the time of writing, the estimated builds of future housing developments by 2028 will not require new pharmaceutical services. If timescales for Northstowe accelerate then this will require review through a supplementary statement to the PNA.