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Statin switch
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Statin switch
Pharmacy is willing, but participation must be on realistic terms
From Mr P. Jenkins, FRPharmS
The latest large public health initiative involves the reclassification
of simvastatin from prescription-only supply to pharmacy (PJ, 3/10 January,
p8). Just taking a tablet is not enough, however, because healthy
lifestyles must be embraced, and that is what public health is all about.
It is intended that pharmacists will be widely involved in the initiative.
They are to be part of the induction process, then help in monitoring
for compliance because it is essential that patients be motivated to
persist with the treatment. They will also supply the statins.
This is a unique initiative and can give indications of pharmacy’s
possible future role in the NHS, since the Government’s real intentions
towards the profession can be determined from how this project is presented.
The pharmacist’s induction and monitoring roles will have to be
funded — and funded at a proper level, not on the cheap but out
of new money like the new roles for GPs. Another question arises over
who will pay for the drugs each month. Making them P indicates patients
will be expected to pay. Patients told they need long-term medication
that they will have to pay for themselves might think twice, especially
as the less affluent will probably have no tradition of paying for prescriptions.
Will the pharmacist be expected to talk them into, and check on,
long-term monthly purchases? And what will be the cost? What is a realistic
charge to the patient for medicine and back-up?
Pharmacy is willing to participate and contribute, as ever, but it must
be on realistic terms. Our negotiators know what is required and although
this year’s offer indicates little goodwill by the Government the
position with a new project is different. We could say “no” to
the whole thing if terms are not acceptable and make it clear that, like
the doctors, we value ourselves — and so, too, must the DoH, if
it really wants the plan to succeed.
Peter Jenkins
Cardiff
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