Expansion of Clinical Pharmacist in GPs scheme
Over 500,000 more patients in Sussex will soon benefit from having a Clinical Pharmacist at their GP, who can give expert advice on routine medication and treatment. This is happening because of an expansion of a national scheme to support the recruitment and training of more clinical pharmacists.
Clinical Pharmacists work as part of generic practice teams with patients to assess and treat patients using their expert knowledge for specific diseases. They can help manage patients long-term conditions (such as high blood pressure) earlier and more effectively, to help prevent diseases. They are also experts in how to get the best outcomes from medicines and can undertake clinical reviews of the medicines used by patients.
Having clinical pharmacists working in GP practices allows GPs to focus their skills where they are most needed and this helps to manage the demands on their time and ensures patients can see the health professional that best suits their needs. Patients will also get advice quicker for their situation.
Hannah, a clinical pharmacist who works at a practice in Eastbourne, says one of the best things about her role is being able to make a real difference to the health and wellbeing of her patients.
'Patients have told me how much they appreciate the thorough medication reviews I offer, and that they value the extra time I can spend with them.'
