05.11.13
Pharmacists must take on broader role – RPS
The NHS needs a radical shift in the role of pharmacists, a new report has urged. ‘Now or Never: shaping pharmacy for the future’, sets out how pharmacists can expand their services to reduce pressure on emergency care and GPs.
The report, published today by the independent commission into future models of care, was commissioned by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) to move from “a marginalised position in the NHS” to one where pharmacists provide a broader range of services and are involved in policy change.
The commission, chaired by Nuffield Trust policy director Dr Judith Smith, found that pharmacists can support long-term conditions, treat common illnesses, and challenge wasteful, dangerous or inefficient use of medicines, rather than simply dispensing them.
They should drive change at a local level, work with other professionals in joint teams and come together in networks. Pharmacists should be able to hold contracts individually or as groups, rather than only through employers, the report recommends.
Dr Smith said pharmacists potential was too often “going untapped”, and said: “This must change if the NHS is to be able to assure taxpayers that people are being supported to get the best use out of their medicines and pharmacies.”
She added: “With care for the frail elderly and emergency out-of-hours treatment at the top of the agenda, the door is open for pharmacists to secure a wider and important role in caring for patients. It won’t be open for long, though, and only concerted and determined action from the profession itself can make sure that they don't find themselves shut out.”
Dr David Branford, chair of the RPS English Board, added: “As hospitals change and much of expert care moves beyond the hospital, pharmacists need to be a part of the core team looking after patients. Safer care will be enabled by better use of technology, allowing patients to share their care record with pharmacists.
“Pharmacists need to contribute to better care across all parts of the health service. Priorities are improving the care of people in care homes, supporting older people to stay well in their own homes and working alongside GP, nursing and social care colleagues to keep people safe and to improve health outcomes.”
Dr Peter Carter, chief executive & general secretary of the RCN said: “Better use of community pharmacies could help to take some of the pressure off nurses by dramatically reducing attendances at A&Es due to their presence on the high street and longer opening hours.
“We would support wholeheartedly the expansion of both the minor ailments scheme and community pharmacy teams, as this would increase the capacity of the health service and allow better access for patients.”
And RCP president, Sir Richard Thompson, said: “There is a greater need for joint working of professions, including pharmacists in multidisciplinary teams, in order to widen the provision of care for people in hospital and the community.”
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