The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 277 No 7421 p415
7 October 2006

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Pharmacists are key to supporting work of primary care trusts

Pharmacists are a key group in supporting primary care trusts' efforts to deliver community health care services to local patients, the NHS Confederation says in its report “Primary care trusts: serving communities” (PDF 1.5 MB), published on the first day of the reorganisation of primary care trusts in England, 1 October.

The report explores the work of primary care trusts, the improvements they have delivered for patients and the challenges they will face in the future. Case studies highlight the areas in which PCTs are improving services to patients.

Community pharmacist Manish Suchak, who offers a number of services to a residential area on the edge of the South Downs, near Brighton, is featured in the report. Mr Suchak has been commissioned by Brighton and Hove PCT to provide a minor ailments scheme and smoking cessation service. He also offers blood pressure monitoring and cholesterol and diabetes testing. He believes that his pharmacy has become a focal point for local residents because the nearest GP surgery is a bus ride away. “I have been here for 20 years and the customers are familiar with me and feel more comfortable accessing services such as smoking cessation from the pharmacy.”