Paisley coronary heart disease scheme is extended
A public health scheme that aims to cut heart disease was granted another three years of funding this week. Pharmacists have played a significant role in the project — called “Have
a heart Paisley”.
The project, launched in 2000, set out to reduce coronary heart disease
in Paisley through initiatives in both primary and secondary care.
Christine Alford, lead pharmacist for the project, told The Journal: “Pharmacists
provided a range of services including smoking cessation counselling,
blood pressure screening and primary risk assessment. These services
were all delivered from community pharmacies. The pharmacists also provided
the participants with advice on health matters, enabling them to make
informed choices in their lifestyle.” Pharmacists were additionally
involved in medication reviews for CHD patients.
This week, the Scottish Executive announced £4.3m of funding for
the project over the next three years. Deputy health minister, Rhona
Brankin, said: “Phase 2 of the project will focus more on two groups — those
already with heart disease and those who are most at risk of developing
it.”
A University of Glasgow project evaluation published this week concluded
that participants had received “enormous support and encouragement
to tackle their health issues”. |
The
Pharmaceutical Journal
Acrobat
Reader