Welsh pharmacists have a key role in supporting healthy life-styles
 As part of Healthy
Living Week, which took place from 8–12 October 2007, the Welsh
Pharmacy Board of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society took part in a two-day event at the National Assembly for Wales, where it provided assembly members, staff and the general public the opportunity to experience some of the services offered by pharmacies across Wales.
Richard Evans, representing the board, measured the height, weight and
blood pressure of more than 70 visitors and offered them the opportunity
to discuss healthy living issues. Among the visitors were First Minister
Rhodri Morgan, Chris Franks, the event sponsor, and Jonathan Morgan,
chairman of the Health, Wellbeing and Local Government Scrutiny Committee.
Mr Evans pointed out that 99 per cent of the Welsh population live within
20 minutes of a pharmacy, and therefore they act as local centres for
advice and information on how to lead a healthy life. He said: “This
was a wonderful opportunity to raise awareness of the services that can
be provided by pharmacists.”
He added: “Many of us prefer
to take responsibility for our own health and pharmacies have developed
services that complement today’s modern lifestyle. They offer a
convenient alternative to the GP with an accessible service, extended
opening hours and expertise in pharmaceutical issues.
“The challenge is now to improve access to these services making
them available as an integral part of the NHS services across Wales.” |
The
Pharmaceutical Journal