Pharmacists could staff GP surgeries out of hours
Pharmacists could replace GPs for out-of-hours consultations |
Pharmacists could staff GP surgeries out of hours as part of Government plans to increase access to primary care services around the clock.
The idea is being considered by ministers following public consultation
on the possible reforms in its White Paper on care outside hospitals,
which is due to be published within the next two months. It comes at
the same time as the Government announced an extension to the prescribing
powers of pharmacists (see p621 and pp627–8).
Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt said last week that patients have told
her they want more access to GP surgeries out of hours.
The suggestion was welcomed by David Kent, secretary of Camden and Islington
Local Pharmaceutical Committee, who was behind negotiations to open one
of the first pharmacist-led minor ailments services.
He said: “As long as the money is there to pay pharmacists the
right rate for the job, then I could certainly find pharmacists to do
the work. We have the skills and know our limitations and would refer
if appropriate. It could be a bit like NHS Direct except patients would
have access to treatment.”
Colette McCreedy, director of pharmacy practice at the National Pharmacy
Association, said: “What patients want is around-the-clock health
care on the corner. Community pharmacists are well placed to embrace
that.”
Alastair Buxton, head of NHS services at the Pharmaceutical Services
Negotiating Committee, said it was important that NHS resources were
spent appropriately.
He said: “I think it’s important to define what we are talking
about when we talk about services being available 24/7. If that is about
getting your blood pressure checked at 4am then, although the public
may wish that, is that a useful way to spend taxpayers’ money?”
A DoH spokeswoman said it was too early to say whether allowing pharmacists
or nurses to staff GP surgeries out of hours would be adopted as Government
policy in the forthcoming White Paper. |
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Pharmaceutical Journal
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