The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 269 No 7213 p300
31 August 2002

Society summary

How pharmacists help to improve Scotland's health

Pharmacy's role in improving Scotland's health is outlined in a new publication from the Royal Pharmaceutical Society in Scotland. The eight-page brochure, "A healthy Scotland", is designed to promote what pharmacists already do and what else they could do.

The booklet gives examples of new services being pioneered by pharmacists and points out that pharmacists work in all areas of health care from intensive care units to advice on complementary medicines. It emphasises the easy availability of pharmacists for advice and treatment in the 1,150 community pharmacies across Scotland. It explains that pharmacists work with other health care professionals to ensure that medicines are used safely, effectively and efficiently. And it suggests that patient health and safety could be further improved if pharmacy had a greater role in prescribing and the use of medicines.

The brochure is being sent to all members of the Scottish Parliament and also to a wide range of influential people within the National Health Service in Scotland. Its production is the first stage in the development of a "pharmacy manifesto" for the May 2003 Scottish elections. The intention is to promote the role of the pharmacist to all the political parties in Scotland with the aim of persuading them to recognise pharmacy's achievements and potential within their own election manifestos.

The brochure is also being made available to the Society's branches in Scotland for use in promoting pharmacy locally.