GP's back pharmacy roles

A group of 23 UK health groups, including the Royal College of GPs, has said people should see their pharmacists for minor ailments before their GP or hospital emergency department. In an article published in The Times, the groups said pharmacists should be “the first port of call” for coughs, the flu and minor ailments to ease the burden on the National Health System (NHS). The groups said one in seven GP appointments could be dealt with by pharmacists who should be seen as more than just prescription dispensers, The Times reported. Local pharmacies should be actively promoted as the first place of advice and treatment for common ailments, the groups said, and the NHS depended upon community pharmacy.

In the article, Royal College of GPs chairwoman Maureen Baker was quoted as saying if people recognised a problem but didn’t feel very ill, it was reasonable to think of seeing a pharmacist first. “We’re not trying to discourage people if they really want to see a GP, but we’re saying it’s an option. “They can walk in and see the pharmacist very quickly, so it isn’t dangerous.”

The Pharmacy Guild of Australia (PGA) said it had urged a similar approach. “The heartening aspect of the UK development is that the call is being spearheaded by doctors groups. “What a pity the Australian Medical Association does not adopt a similar common sense and practical approach in the interests of patients.”

Australian Medical Association president Dr Steve Hambleton said every participant in the health system should be practicing within the scope of their expertise and that Australian pharmacists already did give advice on minor ailments. There was a good working relationship between community pharmacists and GPs, with pharmacists referring patients to GPs when necessary. Pharmacists had extensive training and it was entirely appropriate that they gave advice about minor ailments and issues, Dr Hambleton said. This already works in Australia, and needs no change, he added.

Click here to read the article.

Source: pharmacydaily.com.au, Thursday 23 January 2014