Pharmacists should mine their local authority's data for demographic information so they can tailor their services to the needs of the community, the NPA has said.

NPA head of pharmacy Leyla Hannbeck told the associations' conference yesterday (May 12) that local authorities wanted evidence that pharmacy was capable of meeting the health needs of the population before they commissioned services.

"Not only will it bring [pharmacists] closer to the local authority, but it will make sure they understand what patients need in their local area and ensure they provide the right services for those needs," Ms Hannbeck said.

"It will make sure [pharmacists] understand what patients need in their local area and ensure they provide the right services for those needs" Leyla Hannbeck, NPA	More on local services NHS chiefs' praise for HLPs boosts national       rollout hopes Councils keen to work with pharmacists John Nuttall: Put patients at the heart of change MORE NEWS
	Pharmacists could look at demographic information alongside the prescriptions they received and the emergency supplies they handed out to decide which services they should bid for, she told C+D after the conference. Pharmacists were "hungry for recognition" and aligning their services to local needs would help them become seen as healthcare professionals, she added.

NPA chief executive Mike Holden said pharmacists could download most of the information from the joint strategic needs assessments (JSNAs) on local authorities' websites.

"The JSNA shows the health, social care and public health needs of the communities pharmacy sits in. That's the market opportunity that pharmacy has," he said.

Graham Phillips, owner of Manor Pharmacy Group (Wheathampstead) Ltd, Hertfordshire, said that many pharmacists did not realise the importance of understanding the demographics of their area.

Pharmacists needed to start thinking about their local health profiles if they wanted local authorities to commission services from them, Mr Phillips told C+D. "It's not that hard to do and that is where the big opportunities lie."

Under the NHS reforms, local authorities are advised by health and wellbeing boards on how to commission services to improve public health in their area.

Last month, representatives of North East Lincolnshire Council told C+D that local authorities were keen to work with pharmacy on health initiatives.