Did you know that we (the PCN) provide additional services to support you (and your practice) and provide additional resource in specific areas of health and well-being.
Part Two in this series is highlighting the work our Pharmacist workers does for us.
Working with patients and staff from The Whickham Practice, Chainbridge Medical Practice, Glenpark & Teams Medical Services and Sunniside Surgery, Pharmacists work as part of the general practice team to improve value and outcomes from medicines and consult with and treat patients directly. This includes providing extra help to manage long-term conditions, advice for those on multiple medicines and better access to health checks. The role is pivotal to improving the quality of care and ensuring patient safety.
Having clinical pharmacists in GP practices means that GPs can focus their skills where they are most needed, for example on diagnosing and treating patients with more complex conditions. This helps GPs to manage the demands on their time.
Primary tasks include:
- Conducting structured medication reviews (SMRs)
- Independent prescribing/deprescribing
- Providing medication advice to healthcare professionals and patients
- Optimising medication (e.g. antibiotic stewardship)
- Translates medicines national policies into local implementation
- Adopts a whole system approach to medicines management
Education & Training Requirements
- Registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC)
- Enrolled in or qualified from an approved training programme, e.g. Primary care pharmacy education pathway (PCPEP) or equivalent