Island patients to get pharmacist’s advice on medication 24/8/14
Islanders are to receive greater access to pharmaceutical care under a pilot project funding by the Scottish Government.
A professional pharmacist will work with GP practices which dispense prescriptions at the surgery.
The £62,000 initiative will involve professional pharmacist working with GP practices which dispense prescriptions at the surgery.
The aim is to provide pharmaceutical care and advice to improve the level of service to patients.
A key focus of the scheme is the care of patients with long term conditions and those requiring a variety of different medications.
The pharmacist will work with dispensing GP practices in Lewis and Harris as well as Uist and Barra.
There are currently only three community pharmacies or chemist shops in the Western
Isles -
Health Secretary Alex Neil said: “It is expected this pilot project will make a big
difference to those people living in the Western Isles without access to a pharmacist.
“Often people may have questions about their medication but they feel reluctant to
bother their doctor.
“By introducing pharmacist support in this way, patients will have access to clinical advice and support from a pharmacist as part of the wider practice team.
“More than this though, the project will help to inform a different career approach in remote and rural areas, complementing recruitment and retention in these communities.
“This an exciting opportunity and demonstrates this government’s commitment to ensuring those people living in rural and remote areas in Scotland have greater access to a full range of NHS services.”
NHS Western Isles Chief Executive Gordon Jamieson said: “The contribution of pharmacists and pharmaceutical care is a key component of safe and effective healthcare.
“Here in the Western Isles, dispensing doctors also play an essential role in the dispensing and supply of medicines to patients in rural communities. Going forward, pharmaceutical care provision should complement and support dispensing doctors’ services and their patients.
“I very much welcome and appreciate this initiative and look forward to the delivery of successful outcomes and an enhanced patient experience."
The project will also see the pharmacist provide pharmaceutical advice to care homes located within the pilot practice areas.