Society briefing paper promotes benefits of a supplementary prescribing role for pharmacists
A briefing paper promoting the benefits and potential of a supplementary prescribing role for pharmacists has been issued by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society. “Supplementary prescribing by pharmacists” will
be distributed to members of Parliament, peers with an interest in health
issues, primary care trusts and major health bodies.
The paper promotes the innovative use of pharmacists’ skills to
help improve access to NHS treatment and support more effective use of
resources. It outlines how PCTs can take up the opportunities presented
by pharmacist supplementary prescribing, providing practical information
about first steps.
In a foreword to the document, Dr David Colin-Thomé, the National
Clinical Director for Primary Care at the Department of Health writes: “Supplementary
prescribing by pharmacists is one of the latest clinical developments
to provide real opportunities for more effective delivery of treatment
and care. Based on a partnership, with the patient firmly at the centre,
supplementary prescribing allows for a modern team approach to the monitoring
and management of treatment. It has long been recognised that pharmacists
have the knowledge and skills to make a much greater contribution to
the National Health Service.”
The Society’s President, Dr Gill Hawksworth, said: “This
briefing is the latest in a series of initiatives by the Society to ensure
that pharmacists’ full contribution to health care is understood
by NHS decision-makers. This new area of practice will broaden the interface
between pharmacist and patient and will be vital in extending and enhancing
the provision of primary care to the public.”
Copies of the leaflet can be obtained from Carole Mitchell, Public Affairs
and Communications Directorate, Royal Pharmaceutical Society, 1 Lambeth
High Street, London SE1 7JN (tel 020 7572 2338; e-mail: carole.mitchell@rpsgb.org.
An adapted version to reflect the position and organisations in Wales
has also been published. It has been issued to all Assembly Members,
chief executives of trusts and local health boards and other interested
parties in Wales. Copies of the Welsh version can be obtained from Sarah
Hickman at the Society’s Welsh Executive office (tel 029 2041 2800;
e-mail wales@rpsgb.org).
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